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.
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 Mano River, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
Mano River Events:
- Startup Founder Forum: Building Investment-Ready Ventures in Mano River: 6:00pm, Mar 17, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/382257
- Pitch Your Ideas to Mano River Investors & Experts, Online: 6:00pm, Mar 24, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/382256
Global or Regional Events:
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- What Do Investors Really Look For? Startup Funding Q&A with Keshia Theobald-van Gent: 3:00pm, Mar 09, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/387433
- The 10x Leadership Framework for Growth in Large Organisations : 4:00pm, Mar 10, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/389228
- From Zero to Startup Idea: A Practical Founder Framework: 11:00am, Mar 16, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/387584
- Cash Flow Survival for a First-Time Founder: 3:00pm, Mar 17, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/388819
- Venture Trailblazers, featuring Andrew D’Souza (VIP Event): 3:00pm, Mar 19, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/389937
- Startup Advisors 101: How to Find Advisors and Maximize their Impact: 11:30pm, Mar 23, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/388519
- [Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Get Feedback from Global Investors & Advisors (Private Event): 3:00pm, Mar 24, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/389027
- Stuck Without a Startup Idea? Build One That Fits You: 12:00am, Apr 08, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/390207
- Real Startup Lessons From FI Alumni Across the World: 4:00pm, Apr 14, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/390767
- How to Choose the Right Startup Idea Before You Build: 4:00pm, May 18, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/390328
- Inside the Founder Institute: Real Stories From Alumni: 4:00pm, Jun 15, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/390499
- Stop Overthinking and Build a Great Startup Idea: 4:00pm, Jul 20, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/390637
- Meet FI Alumni Founders: High-Growth Startups Panel : 4:00pm, Aug 10, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/391189
- Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 12:00am, Aug 19, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/391333
- Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 12:00am, Sep 22, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/391613
- From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 4:00pm, Oct 13, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/390913
- From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 12:00am, Nov 18, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/391480
- From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 4:00pm, Dec 08, 2026 (Atlantic/Azores): https://FI.co/e/391000
The Mano River program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Alois Monger (Director , FI Mano River), 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: Founder & CEO, Syberlex Consulting Technologies
- Curtis Jackson: Managing Consultant, DG Technologies
- Dave Rice: Founder, President, SIAS Intl.
- David Sinatue: Executive Director, DKS Incubation Center
- David Chen: Co-founder and Co-CEO, Kapsule
- Deola Famak: Founder, Educare Liberia
- Dieudonne Perry: Chief Operating Officer, SMART Liberia
- Dominique Tolbert: Founder, TLBRT Hospitality | Mesean Spices
- Dwalu Khasu: Founder, Jump Technology Group
- Emma Fofanah: Founder, Songo Investments
- Eric Osiakwan: Managing Partner, Chanzo Capital
- Eric Hage: Co-founder & CEO, Ezee Market
- Isabelle Bart: Founder, Entrepreneurship Coach, Impact Innovator
- Joe Yilla: Founder, Knesst
- Joseph Crayton: Managing General Partner, Joseph Crayton
- Kent Bubbs: Executive Director, Universal Outreach Foundation
- Leeza Bright: CEO, Path9Consulting
- Lucia Fernandes Stanislas: Global Impact & Ecosystem Strategy Mentor, Mwika Social Innovation Hub
- Mahmoud Idriss: Founder & CEO, Smart Systems SL Ltd
- Mawuena Augustt: Managing Partner, Talentia Aftica, Liberia
- Morris Marah: Founder, Sensi Tech Innovation Hub
- Oliver Klark: Founder & CEO, Advanced Converged Technologies (My Watchman)
- 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.
