Now, more than ever, the world needs entrepreneurs to build the future.
As a result, the Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator, is excited to announce that it is officially launching its newest chapter in South Africa. While the Silicon-Valley based program has chapters in over 200 cities worldwide, early-stage entrepreneurs in Cape Town and throughout the country can finally now take advantage of the Founder Institute's renowned structure, mentor support, and network to build an enduring company.
Applications to the first-ever Cape Town Founder Institute are now open, and anyone interested in building a technology company can apply at FI.co/apply/cape_town.
The Founder Institute provides high-potential entrepreneurs and teams with the support network and structured growth process needed to get to traction and funding, and build something that matters.
Since 2009, the Founder Institute has helped over 7,000 Alumni raise over $1.8BN funding, get into seed-accelerators, generate traction, recruit a team, build a product, transition from employee to entrepreneur, and more (see the FI 10 Year Impact Report here).
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in South Africa, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs and hear more about the program from the comfort of your home:
South Africa Events:
- FI S. Africa 2024 Graduation, featuring Jatin Kataria (JK Venture Studio): 6:00pm, Jul 30, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/353674
Global or Regional Events:
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas : 7:00pm, Jul 29, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351013
- Fireside Chat with Rand Fishkin: From Moz to SparkToro: 9:30pm, Jul 31, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351973
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 2:00am, Aug 06, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351117
- How to Achieve Product-Market Fit: Insights from Seedstars: 7:00pm, Aug 07, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351118
- What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 7:00pm, Aug 12, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351119
- Launching a U.S. Company: Insights & Pitfalls to Avoid with Mark Milastsivy: 6:00pm, Aug 15, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/353968
- Pitch Lounge: Practice Pitching Your Business Idea to Startup Experts : 7:00pm, Aug 19, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351121
- Pitch Lounge: Practice Pitching Your Business Idea to Startup Experts : 7:00pm, Aug 19, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351120
- Venture Trailblazers, featuring Warren Packard (Operating Partner at AI Fund): 6:00pm, Aug 22, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351780
- Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with a Venture Capitalist: 2:00am, Aug 27, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351122
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 2:00am, Aug 29, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351123
- Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder: 2:00am, Sep 03, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351195
- How Startup Founders Build & Sustain their Competitive Edge in Today’s Market : 7:00pm, Sep 04, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/353817
- What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 2:00am, Sep 10, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351196
- Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 7:00pm, Sep 16, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351197
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 7:00pm, Sep 23, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351198
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Sep 25, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351199
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Oct 02, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351263
- Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 2:00am, Oct 15, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351264
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 2:00am, Oct 24, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351265
- What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 7:00pm, Oct 30, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351266
- Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder : 8:00pm, Nov 04, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351330
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 3:00am, Nov 07, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351331
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 3:00am, Nov 19, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351332
- What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 3:00am, Nov 26, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351333
- Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 8:00pm, Nov 27, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351334
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 8:00pm, Dec 02, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351406
- What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 8:00pm, Dec 04, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351407
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 8:00pm, Dec 09, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351408
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 8:00pm, Dec 16, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351409
- Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 3:00am, Dec 24, 2024 (Africa/Johannesburg): https://FI.co/e/351410
The experts that have been critical in bringing the Founder Institute to Cape Town include local startup leaders Deepti Jeram (Co-Founder, Boardroom In A Box), FI SA (XX, NA), John Zabula (Founder, Revisall), Keshni Morar (Managing Director, Founder Institute South Africa + Investable), Lily Makaleng (Director, The Founder Institute South Africa), Nisha Kotecha, Victoria Odimba (Founder/CEO, C Insights Africa).
Opportunities are flourishing in South Africa. There's now a great ecosystem for entrepreneurs - from crowdfunding platforms to digital communities. The Founder Institute can increase an aspiring technology entrepreneur's chance of success by providing the necessary skills and mindset - and a link to the Silicon Valley!
In addition, many of the region's top founders, CEOs, advisors, and investors have signed on to mentor new entrepreneurs in the South Africa 2025 Founder Institute program, including:
- Aadil Munsami: Fractional CFO
- Abu Bakr Cassim: Founder, Jozi Angels
- Akua Nyame Mensah: Certified Executive & Leadership Coach, A.N.M & Company
- Alan Fok: Growth Partner & Leadership Coach, The Forward Coach
- Andre De Wet: CEO, 2ndBase Inc
- Annu Augustine: Founder, NedRock
- Anthony Stonefield: Chief Innovation Officer, AIDA Advisory Services
- Arcui Usoara: Founder/CEO, Iaculus
- Ayodeji Agboola: Founder, Akowe
- Ayodeji Agboola: CEO, Akowe
- Bade Aluko: Managing Partner, White Hibiscus Capital
- Bentzy Goldman: Founder, Perflo
- Berg Moe: Owner, Berg Moe Media
- Bertha Kgokong: Founder & CEO, Tati Software
- Bhairav Patel: Managing Director, Atom CTO
- Boitumelo "Tumi" Menyatswe: Co-Founder & CEO, OPENSEED & Quantum
- Brenda Wangari: Head of Portfolio Success, Madica
- Brian O. Sing'ora: Brian Obwora Sing'ora, Origee-Nation Ventures
- Charlotte Luzuka: Co-Founder & Investor, Dazzle Angels
- Chintan Oza: Founder, Anantam Ecosystems
- Chris Foltz: Entrepreneur In Residence, Founder Institute + Responsible Solutions Ltd + IRG 100 CMO's & Change Agents
- Cleo Johnson: Strategist, Marketing Maven
- Dana Ohana: CEO and Co-Founder, Big Consulting
- Deepti Jeram: Co-Founder & CMO, Boardroom In A Box
- Deon Katz: CEO & co-Founder , Graphite Growth
- Deven Govender, LionPride Investment Holdings
- Devin Butler: Co-founder, LogLive
- Didier Vermeiren: Founder, Rialto
- Dimitri Anagnostopoulos: Partner, True North Partners
- Donald Vutlharhi Valoyi: Founder, Zulzi
- Dr. Ope Banwo: Attorney/Techfounder, Mobisoft360 Inc.
- Eitan Stern: Director & Lawyer, Legalese
- Florent Nduwayezu: Mr. , BESTSELLER FOUNDATION
- Gareth Bleazard: CEO and Founder, Great North Road
- Gatis Vilcans: Director of Technology, Atom CTO
- Gbite Oduneye: Founder and Managing Partner, ODBA
- Giovanni Focaraccio: Product Manager, Potenza
- Greg Serandos: Founder & CEO, African Academy of Artificial Intelligence
- Hema Vallabh: Founding Partner, Five35 Ventures
- Idowu Akinde: Founder, Boolean Labs
- Jabulani Zwane: Founder & CEO, Mindset Development Institute
- Jaco De Wet: Independent Consultant, Independent Consultant
- Jacobus Erasmus: Director, Founder Institute South Africa
- Jatin Kataria: Founder & MD, InMeSta + JK Venture Studio
- Johann Ungerer: Director, 1099 Ventures, Digital Puppetry, LetsJam, WIP
- John Zabula: Founder, Revisall
- Joshua Murima: Head of Engagement & Investor Relations, Briter Bridges
- Kamal Hassan: Founding Partner, Loyal VC
- Katie Mapondera: Founder and Managing Partner, Q L and D LLC
- Kayimbi Ruben Mpanya: Strategic Projects Associate, Innovation Edge
- Kendrall Felder: Co-Founder & CEO, Cyber Alliance
- Keshni Morar: Managing Director, Founder Institute South Africa + Investable
- Kevin Chetty: Founder CEO, Macrocomm Financial Services / Xtenda Housing Finance
- Kgosi Diphokwane, New Urban Ventures
- Kopano Mere: Market Activation Lead, SmartWage
- Kyle Torrington: Co-Founder , Legal Legends
- Larry Yon, Ii: Co-Founder & President, Cyber Alliance
- Leonardo Okpeh: Founder & CEO, Smartblocks
- Lily Makaleng: Director, Founder Institute South Africa + Founder@WanderfullySo
- Lundi Njomane: Director, Jozi Angels
- Manoj Ranaweera: Founder & CEO, SkilledUp Life
- Marco Broccardo: CEO , Eurocom
- Mark Kleyner: Co-Founder, Dream VC
- Mark Fritz: Managing Director, Procedor
- Mauricio Cardoso: Corporate Venture Manager, O POVO Communication Group
- Maushami Chetty: Founder and CEO, Aarya Legal & GDPR Bridge
- Michael O'donnell: Principal, StartupBiz.com LLC
- Michael Smith: Failed tech entrepreneur, lawyer, angel investor, Various
- Michael Smith: Managing Director, Hillsdon Consulting Inc.
- Michel Lubuya: Co-Founder @ Trove Group, Trove Capital
- Nevo Hadas: Director, & innovation
- Nicolas Ochmann: Director, Head of Solutions EMEA, Whatfix
- Nivesh Pather: Investment Manager, Norrsken22
- Noah Wallach: Founder, Hope OS
- Olivier Chas: Entrepreneur, Effective Marketing
- Omotayo Babatunde: Co-Founder & CEO, RewardHub
- Oscar Koster: Regional Director, Rule no 5
- Pambos Soteriades: Founder & CEO, PiSigma Consulting
- Paul Smith: Founder & CEO, Civitas
- Pommie Lutchman: Founder & CEO, Ocular Technologies
- Preshan Govinder: Manager: Sales and Business Development, JSE
- Roheeni Bhana: Founder, Healthtech Launchpad
- Russell Brand: CEO & Founder, Responsible Solutions Limited
- Sabeeha Banubhai: Founder and Experience Director, Jack Studios
- Sabrina Dorman: Co-Founder and CFO, ZUMI
- Salmine Sassi: Entrepreneur in Residence, Seedstars
- Sameer Babbar: Director, SVB Group
- Sameer Sortur: Founding Partner, SquareCircle Ventures
- Sanjay Soni: Chief Visionary & Venture Architect, Jozi Angels
- Sanjay Rakshit: CPO / CTO, Atom CTO
- Shaheed Nordien: Mr, Swifti
- Sheriff Olujide: Managing Partner, SOCS GokSon Capital (SGC) Ventures
- Sienna Leis: Managing Director, Cova Experience Design
- Sola Adekanye: Founder, Open Innovation Access
- S'onqoba Vuba: Co-Founder and MD, Perpetu8
- STEPHAN WESSELS: CTO, Simply Financial Services
- Suhail Nakooda: Visa, Director: Business Development
- Tamzin Lovell: Founder & CEO, Artfundi
- Telma Le Guen: Founder & CEO, The Workrate
- Thembalethu Shangase: Head of Programmes, Naspers Labs
- Torrey Smith: Co-Founder & CEO, Endiatx
- Tracey Chas: Advisor, Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
- Trevor Longino: Founder & CEO, CrowdTamers
- Tyrone Moodley: Venture Associate, HAVAÍC
- Victoria Odimba: Founder, C Insights Africa
- Viola Llewellyn: Founder & CEO, The Tulle Box
- Wesley Lynch: Founder, Snapplify
- Yemi Oluseun: Growth & GTM For FinTechs, The Change Hive
- Zolani Matebese: Chairman, Sendoff.app
- And many more to be announced.
The Founder Institute is designed for founders and teams all throughout the pre-seed stage, including aspiring founders with a full-time job, solo founders, teams, and founders of established companies that are pre-funding. The organization's mission is to "Globalize Silicon Valley" and build sustainable startup ecosystems that will create one million new jobs worldwide.
Join us in South Africa and help build the future.
Apply to the South Africa 2025 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
---
