The Founder Institute, the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Italy program!
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Italy's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Italy Founder Institute today.
Since 2009, our highly-structured accelerator programs have helped entrepreneurs at the earliest stages grow quickly, know what to do next, and make connections with the largest community of startup advisors.
It all starts with our renowned ‘FI Agentic’ accelerator, which pushes founders at the idea and pre-seed stages to reach the milestones needed for investment and sustained growth. Alumni of the FI Agentic program then receive free access to our advanced post-graduate programs for years to come, and can get matched with prospective investors in the FI Venture Network, a collection of global funds actively investing in the earliest rounds of funding.To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in Italy, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
- How to Create a Great First Startup Pitch using AI: 2:30am, Sep 15, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/403503
- How to Build a Strong Pipeline of Entrepreneurs for your Innovation Hub: 6:00pm, Sep 15, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/398251
- FI Alumni Panel: Meet Founders of High-Growth Startups (Q&A + Networking): 6:00pm, Oct 06, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/398709
- From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 6:00pm, Oct 13, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/399056
- From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 6:00pm, Oct 20, 2026 (Europe/Rome): https://FI.co/e/398706
The Italy program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Alberto Martellini (Founder Institute Innovation Partner, Vision to Life), Amadeus Samson, Ariona Krasniqi ( Local Leader – Mentor Network, Founder Institute), Azra Gurbuz (Local Leader - Marketing & Community Lead, FI), Giovanni Salvi (Data Scientist, Serenis).
In addition, some of Italy's top investors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs will be participating in the program, providing them with expert feedback and evaluation. The list of startup mentors for the Italy Founder Institute includes:
* Alberto Clavarino * Alberto Lombardi * Andrea Arienti * Anna Gaile * Antonello Schiavo * Antonia Verna * Ben Stacey * Bruno Reggiani * Chris Foltz * Duygu Sefa * Emanuele Torlonia * Enrico Frascati * Fabio Costa * Filippo Satolli * Francesco Gia * Ivelin Ivanov * Lorenzo Di Cataldo * Mahir Iskender * Marco Cello * Marco De Biasi * Massimo Romani * Mauro Baldoni * Natalia Iudina * Pier Paolo Mucelli * Pietro Braguglia * Serephina Ha * Sergio Rossi * Simone Dozza * Victor Schiller * Vincenzo Cioffi
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Italy to build a great company in 2026.
Apply to the Italy Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
