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 Nairobi. While the Silicon-Valley based program has chapters in over 200 cities worldwide, early-stage entrepreneurs in Nairobi 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 Nairobi Founder Institute are now open, and anyone interested in building a technology company can apply at FI.co/apply/nairobi.
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 9,000 Alumni raise over 2BN 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 Nairobi, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs and hear more about the program from the comfort of your home:
- How to Get Your First 10 Customers Without a Marketing Team or Budget: 7:30pm, May 04, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/394500
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- How Anyone Can Become a Solo Founder with AI: 7:00pm, May 05, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/396535
- [Restricted] Kenya – South Africa 2026 VIP Launch Mixer (Online Networking Event): 7:00pm, May 11, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/396463
- Stop Guessing: How to Use AI to Validate Your Startup Idea in Days : 7:00pm, May 12, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/396695
- How to Choose the Right Startup Idea Before You Build: 3:00pm, May 18, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/390342
- How to Tell Stories That Win Clients and Investors with Lubna Forzley: 7:00pm, May 19, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/396365
- [Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Get Unfiltered Feedback from Global Investors & Advisors: 7:00pm, May 26, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/395425
- Inside the Founder Institute: Real Stories From Alumni: 7:00pm, Jun 02, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/390502
- Startup Advisors 101: How to Find Advisors and Maximize their Impact (POSTPONED): 3:30am, Jun 09, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/388511
- What It Takes to Get Funded: Live Investor Q&A w/ Maayan Teper: 7:00pm, Jun 09, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/396197
- Turn Startup Hesitation Into Action: A Founder Mindset Framework: 3:00am, Jun 16, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/393234
- Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A : 3:00am, Jul 07, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/393531
- Stop Overthinking and Build a Great Startup Idea: 7:00pm, Jul 20, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/390640
- From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 3:30pm, Aug 10, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/393357
- Meet FI Alumni Founders: High-Growth Startups Panel : 7:00pm, Aug 10, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/391192
- Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 3:00am, Aug 19, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/391324
- What Makes Investors Say Yes: Startup Funding AMA: 7:00pm, Sep 01, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/392974
- Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 3:00am, Sep 22, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/391604
- From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 3:30am, Oct 06, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/390916
- From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 7:00pm, Oct 13, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/393487
- From Founder to Funded: Interactive Q&A with Top Startup Investor: 8:00pm, Nov 03, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/393111
- From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 4:00am, Nov 18, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/391474
- From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 8:00pm, Dec 01, 2026 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/391052
The experts that have been critical in bringing the Founder Institute to Nairobi include local startup leaders Allan Mbogo, John Zabula (Founder, Revisall), Keshni Morar (Managing Director, FI South Africa + Investable), Kitawa Wemo (Founder & CEO, MAMA Social Ventures), Lily Makaleng (Director, The Founder Institute South Africa), Noreen Likimani, Victoria Odimba (Founder/Lead Strategist, Cellente), Winnie Mandela.
Opportunities are now flourishing in Nairobi and throughout Kenya. There's a great ecosystem for entrepreneurs - from crowdfunding platforms to co-working spaces. 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 Kenya - South Africa 2026 Founder Institute program, including:
- Abdulaziz Omar: Founder and CEO, SaveApp Limited
- AGGREY ANDUURU: A, ESSENTIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
- Agnel Nadida: Managing Partner, Ndindi and Nadida Advocates LLP
- Ann Gitari: Entrepreneurship Skills Development Trainer, The Writing Agency Kenya
- Anne Salim, Qhala
- Antony Kimani: Investor | Entrepreneur | Newton Venture Fellow
- Benson Maweu: Founder, Yuuji Shopping Ltd
- Bolanle Afuye: Head of Digital Services, TPAY MOBILE
- Brian Maphosa: Business Coach , TBD NA NA
- Brian Mogeni: CEO and Co-Founder, https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmogeni/
- Brian Ngaira: UX Researcher & Developer, Made by People
- Bruce Lucas: Founder, Olotu Square
- Cephas Karanja: Digital Transformation Director, ADK Technologies
- Cynthia Mburugu: Ms , Optimum Options Limited
- Delila Kidanu: Co-Founder & COO, Koa Technology
- Denis Karema: CEO, SokoFresh
- Dr Mohsin Zahid: CEO, Neuron Solutions
- Edwin Alum: CEO, Mula Export
- Erick Mokaya: Founder, Mwango Capital
- Eunice Nyandat: CEO, MBM Labs
- Evans Wadongo: Partner, Wadson Ventures
- Faith Chege: Portfolio Coordintor, EEP Africa
- Farhat Bashir: Founding CEO, Seerab Technologies
- Fatuma Dabassa: Founder-CEO, Urembo hub limited-https://urembohub.com/
- Folarin Salami: Information Security and Systems Lead, IDInsight
- Gbenga Owolabi: Mr., Pendaxia Limited
- Glenn Digollo: Co-Founder & CSO, PeerCarbon
- Grace Kabicho: General and Finance Manager, Izon Production Limited
- Haris Ali: Founder and CEO, Vertechx Technologies
- Harry Mwangi: Vice President of Sales, EGM Securities
- Ife Oyedele: Co-founder, Kobo360
- Ivan Ivanka: Founder & CEO, Markster
- Jan Okonji: Founder, Business Growth Solutions
- Joanne Mutsekwa: Ms, Daylio|T Advisory
- Joe Ndirangu: Senior Legal Officer, Equity Group Holdings Plc and Equity Group Foundation
- Joel Wanjohi, Equator
- Jonathan Okanlawon: Co-Founder/Board Executive , Global Croft Ltd
- Kanyi Ohawa: Director, All and Sundry Ltd
- Ken Oloo: Founder and Team Lead, Filamujuani
- Kessiena Majemite: Founder/Managing Partner, CeedCap
- Kirumba Mwaura: CEO, MSCA ltd
- Kitawa Wemo: Founder, MAMA Social Ventures
- Lanre Aina, ATHLST CO. LLC
- Lemuel Abishua: Product Manager, The Room
- Leonard Korir: CEO, MobiDev
- Lewam Kefela: Investment Director, Partech Partners
- Lilian Wambua: Operations Manager, Crosswise Works
- Lincoln Njogu: Founder, Devs Kenya
- Linus Wahome: CEO, ManPro
- Lujain Abbas: Legal and Compliance Lead, Lami Technologies Limited
- Mandela Winnie: Product Associate, Amref Health Africa
- Maureen Macharia: CEO, Spindle Design
- Meghan Mc Cormick: Co-Founder & CEO, OZE, & Dare to Innovate
- Mercy Kimalat: CEO, ASSEK
- More Argwings-Kodhek: Director of Marketing, Marketing Maasai
- Muthoni Wachira: Founder and CEO, ABC Studio
- Mutugi M'Narobi: Managing Director, Made by People
- Nadia KANOUN: CEO, Senior Adviser, Trainer & Coach, IHSCEN for Startups
- Ndambuki Mutie: Senior Lead-Talent Acquisition, M-KOPA
- Njoki Munene: Community & Social Media Manager, Sahihi Africa
- Noreen Likimani: Program and Project Manager, MBM Africa
- Nurudeen Elias: Chief Operating Officer, Robert & John Ltd.
- Ochieng' G. Akatch: Partner, MO Advocates LLP (MO Legal)
- Oliver Wainaina: Lead Software Engineer, Sauti Salama
- Olusola Amusan: Founder/CEO, Coven Works
- Oluwatomisin Ashimolowo: Strategy Consultant, Profectus Capital
- Ozioma Agaecheta: CEO , Jupytec Innovation Labs
- Paul Breloff: CEO / Co-Founder, Shortlist
- Paul Angatia: Commercial Director, Zeno Consulting Services
- Paul Kioi: Group Information Systems Manager, FCS
- Peter Ongera: Founder Director, African Homestay and Safaris
- Rachel Ndungu: CEO, Biashara Africa
- Rashaan Campbell: Senior Advisor, Director of Business Development, Pumapa Capital
- Reynolds Mwangi Mungai: Co-founder & CEO, Lukhu Inc.
- Rohan Vaidya: General Manager, Elluminati Inc
- Rose Mary Nakasenge Bbosa: Founder, MARBO GLOBAL INVESTMENTS LTD
- Sean Karanja: Founder, Project Exponential Kenya
- Sheilah Birgen: CEO, The CoRD
- Sheillah Nyang'ara: Founder and CEO, SNN-Realtor
- Shiro Theuri: VP Engineering, Sendy
- Somet Kipchilat: Head of Product, Poa Internet
- Stella Odiwuor
- Stephen Ojji: Principal, Nocopycats LLC
- Sumaiyah Omar: Advocate, Mediator and Arbitrator , IPOA
- Tesh Mbaabu: Founder, Mesozi Group
- Tessie Omulo: Director, Female Founders Kenya
- Tim Dagori: Practice Lead, Technology and Society Practice , Co-creation Hub
- Timame Wanyoike: ., Liquid Intelligent Technologies
- Timothy Kotin: CEO & CoFounder, Superfluid Labs
- Tirus Wanyoike: Lead Solution Architect & Customer Experience, BCK
- Tobi Lafinhan: Co-Founder, Venture for Africa
- Tsedai Chagwedera: Principal, Echovc Partners
- Vennela Subramanyam: Product Manager, Google
- Vincent Aberi: Founder , Hillcroft Technologies
- Wakai Akino: Senior Consultant, Aliquot Ltd
- Wambita Okanya: CEO, Koho Communications
- Wanjiru Chabeda: Independent Consultant, Independent Consultant
- Yobdar Bakri, The Executive Office of East Africa
- 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 Kenya and help build the future.
Apply to the Kenya - South Africa 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
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