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 Mano River 2026 program!
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Mano River's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Mano River 2026 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.
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in Mano River, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
Mano River Events:
- Startup Funding in Mano River, featuring Angel Fair Africa & Chanzo Capital: 6:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/382259
- Meet the Mano River Startup Ecosystem (In-Person Networking Event): 6:00pm, Feb 10, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/382258
Global or Regional Events:
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- Why Startups and Small Businesses Require Different Policy Approaches: 5:00pm, Jan 20, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/386560
- Brainstorm a Great Startup Idea for 2026: Online Workshop: 12:00am, Jan 21, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/386284
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 5:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/386289
- Meet Global Alumni from Founder Institute: 5:00pm, Feb 02, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/386293
- How to Transform Your Region into a Hub for Cross-Border Entrepreneurship: 5:00pm, Feb 03, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/387027
- How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: 12:00am, Feb 10, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/386302
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Working with AI as Your Partner: 5:00pm, Feb 17, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/386306
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Building a Marketing Engine with AI: 5:00pm, Feb 24, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/386311
- Founder’s Guide to AI: Converting Data into Business Value with AI: 5:00pm, Mar 03, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/386316
The Mano River program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Alois Monger, Emma Sherbine (Platform and Programs, Startup Africa Ventures).
In addition, some of Mano River'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 Mano River Founder Institute includes:
- Akwasi Appiah: Manager of Technology and Innovation, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
- Alexandre N'djore: CEO, Digitech Group
- Alois Monger: Co-Founder, Zili
- Aminata Dumbuya: Founder, Freetown Waste Transformers
- Annie Wonnie Katta: Director, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone
- Augustus Flomo: CEO, Gusceman Inc.
- Bashir Muhammad Idris: Senior Manager, Limkokwing Innovation Hub
- Boakai Mamey: Software Engineer, LinkedIn
- Charles Dorme Cooper: Founder, Bzzn
- Christollie Ade Suah: Founder , Balance with Ade
- Christopher Greene, Syberlex
- Curtis Jackson: Managing Consultant, DG Technologies
- Dave Rice: Founder, President, SIAS Intl.
- Deola Famak: Founder, Educare Liberia
- Dieudonne Perry: Chief Operating Officer, SMART Liberia
- Dominique Tolbert: Founder, TLBRT Hospitality | Mesean Spices
- Dwalu Khasu: Founder, DK Agricultural Co-op
- Emma Fofanah: Founder, Songo Investments
- Eric Osiakwan: Managing Partner, Chanzo Capital
- Isabelle Bart: Founder, Entrepreneurship Coach, Impact Innovator
- Joe Yilla: Founder, Knesst
- Leeza Bright: CEO, Path9Consulting
- Mahmoud Idriss: Founder & CEO, Smart Systems SL Ltd
- Mawuena Augustt: Managing Partner, Talentian Africa
- Morris Marah: Founder, Sensi Tech Innovation Hub
- Peter King: Founder, GLS Group
- Scout Tweedie Yates: Regional Manager , The Founder Institute HQ
- Sinkarie Sesay: Managing Director, Mangara Capital
- Snorwlor Bropleh: CSO & Co-Founder, Advanced Converged Technologies (My Watchman)
- Tomi Davies: President. Emeritus, African Business Angel Network (ABAN)
- Varney Blamah: CEO, African Valuables Collective (AVC)
- Wainright Acquoi: Founder & CEO, TRIBE
- William Dennis: Founder, Business Start-Up Center
- William Marshall: Senior Development Consultant, The KAZI Group Inc
- Wilson Idahor: CEO, Top Consulting Inc. (TCi)
- Zaza Mulbah: Senior Manager, Orange Digital Center
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in Mano River to build a great company in 2026.
Apply to the Mano River 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
