Build a Great Startup in 2026 with the FI Louisiana Startup Accelerator

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 Louisiana 2025 program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Louisiana's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Louisiana 2025 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 Core’ accelerator, which pushes founders at the idea and pre-seed stages to reach the milestones needed for investment and sustained growth. Alumni of FI Core then receive free access to our advanced ‘Founder Lab’ accelerators 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 Louisiana, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

See all upcoming events

The Louisiana program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Heidi Fitzgerald ( Graphic Web Designer, Thecla Systems, LLC), Rick Mekdessie (Founder, Crowd9 Agency).

In addition, some of Louisiana'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 Louisiana Founder Institute includes:

Abdellah Aouf: Chief Executive Officer, GO PLATFORM
Anna DeTiege: Director of Innovation Capital, Louisiana Economic Development
Ben Stacey: CEO, Pitchverk
Bill Ellison: CEO, Innovation Catalyst
Brian Mora: Partner, Pedelahore & Co.
Camille Terk: Founder, Terk Consulting
Cory Warfield
Craig Gehring: Founder & CEO, MasteryPrep
Davorio Stevenson: Executive Venture Partner
Jeanne Foley David: Founder & Former CEO, Outer Aisle Gourmet
Jeff O'Hara: Founder, 350 Investments
John Roberts: Managing Partner, Boot64 Ventures
Jose Canseco: Owner, Law Office Of Jose S. Canseco
Leslee Cohen: Managing Partner, AllRise Legal Counsel, Leslee Cohen PC
Mickal Adler: Attorney/Partner, Blue Williams
Rafael Kartaszynski: CEO, TechEdge Dynamics
Stephen Scullin: Partner, Carver Darden
Todd Lowery
Tom Boinski: Management Consultant / CTO, TechEdge Dynamics (TED STUDIO)
Vance Adams: Business Development, Delta Administrative Services