Build a Great Startup in 2026 with the FI South Africa 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 South Africa 2027 program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from South Africa's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the South Africa 2027 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 South Africa, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

South Africa Events:

Founder Institute South Africa Demo Day 2026: 6:00pm, Aug 17, 2026 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/403656

Global or Regional Events:

How to Find the First Customers for Your Startup Idea: 6:00pm, Aug 11, 2026 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/403201
How to Get Customer Feedback on your Startup Idea in the Age of AI: 6:00pm, Aug 18, 2026 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/403359
Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A: 6:00pm, Sep 01, 2026 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/403878
[Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Pitch Live and Get Feedback from Investors & Advisors: 6:00pm, Sep 08, 2026 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/401104
How to Create a Great First Startup Pitch using AI: 2:30am, Sep 15, 2026 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/403498

See all upcoming events

The South Africa program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Daan Weddepohl (CEO, MEER), John Zabula (Founder, Revisall), Keshni Morar (Managing Director, FI South Africa + Investable), Lily Makaleng (Director, The Founder Institute South Africa), Victoria Odimba (Founder/Lead Strategist, Cellente).

In addition, some of South Africa'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 South Africa Founder Institute includes:

Johann Ungerer: Director, 1099 Ventures, Infinite Loom
Michael Oshogbunu: CEO/Co-founder, vevet
Pommie Lutchman: Digital Executive (CIO/CTO/CDO) and Startup Mentor, PommieLutchman.com