First Founder Institute Kampala Accelerator Applications Open!

This is a time to build: the world needs more entrepreneurs to lead the way in creating a brighter future, for all.

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 Uganda. While the Silicon-Valley based program has chapters in over 200 cities worldwide, early-stage entrepreneurs in Uganda can finally now take advantage of the Founder Institute's renowned structure, mentor support, and network to build an enduring company that can survive and thrive in this “new normal.”

Applications to the first ever Uganda Founder Institute are now open, and anyone interested in building an impactful technology company can apply at FI.co/apply/kampala.

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. So whether you already have a business or are still in the idea-phase, now is the time to act.

Since 2009, the Founder Institute has helped over 7,500 Alumni raise over $1.85BN 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 startup events in Uganda, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs and hear more about the program:

Lessons Learned Raising from Top Silicon Valley VCs: AMA with Rajeev Behera: 7:00pm, May 29, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/371291
Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 8:00pm, Jun 02, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/370646
How to Build Your MVP Using Artificial Intelligence : 8:00pm, Jun 04, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/371415
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 3:00am, Jun 10, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/370799
FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 8:00pm, Jun 23, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/371842
Startup Finance & Banking Basics: AMA with Grasshopper Bank: 8:00pm, Jun 25, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/372044
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 8:00pm, Jun 30, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/371683
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 8:00pm, Jul 07, 2025 (Africa/Nairobi): https://FI.co/e/370408

See all upcoming events

The experts that have been critical in bringing the Founder Institute to Uganda include local startup leaders Alan Lwetabe, Allan Rwakatungu, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr., and Geogette Ndabukiye.

Opportunities are flourishing in Uganda. There's now 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 Kampala Virtual 2022 Founder Institute program, including:

Abdulaziz Omar: Founder and CEO, SaveApp Limited
Adeo Ressi: CEO, Decile Group / VC Lab
Aeko Ongodia: CEO, XENO Technologies
Agatha Nambuya: Founder, Autofore
AGGREY ANDUURU: A, ESSENTIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
Agnel Nadida: Managing Partner, Ndindi and Nadida Advocates LLP
Akua Nyame Mensah: Certified Executive & Leadership Coach, A.N.M & Company
Alan Lwetabe: Co-Director , Founder Institute Kampala
Albany James: Founder, Foodsasa
Aleksandra Lazović-Lønningen: Building Collaborative Entrepreneurial Ecosystems l Growth and Innovation Strategist, Impact Hub Belgrade/InoSmart
Alex Ponton: Investment Manager, Iungo Capital
Allan Rwakatungu: CEO, Xente
Ann Gitari: Entrepreneurship Skills Development Trainer, The Writing Agency Kenya
Anna Lindbäck: CEO & Founder, Startup Strats
Anne Salim, Qhala
Annrita Njoroge: Project Assistant
Arnold Kwizera: Ecosystem Manager, Norrsken East Africa
Barbara Mutabazi: CEO, HiveColab
Benson Maweu: Founder, Yuuji Shopping Ltd
Berg Moe: Chairman, Gründervekst AS
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
Chintan Oza: Founder, Anantam Ecosystems
Chris Foltz: Global Entrepreneur-In-Residence, Responsible Solutions Ltd
Christopher Okware, POSTMAN APP LTD
Cynthia Mburugu: Ms , Optimum Options Limited
David Wangolo: Investment Manager
Davis Musinguzi: CEO, Rocket Health
Delila Kidanu: Co-Founder & COO, Koa Technology
Denis Karema: CEO, SokoFresh
Dickson Mushabe: CEO, Hostalite
Don Samoil: Managing Partner, Trusted Scale
Edmund Kamugisha: Portifilio lead, JSF
Edwin Alum: CEO, Mula Export
Edwin Moses Byaruhanga: CEO/Co founder , Mocard Technologies
Elijah Kitaka
Elijah Kitaka: CEO, Songboost
Elizabeth B-Amissah
Erasmus Okrut: Founder
Erick Mokaya: Founder, Mwango Capital
Eunice Nyandat: CEO, MBM Labs
Evans Wadongo: Partner, Wadson Ventures
Evelyn Namara: CEO, Vouch Digital
Faith Chege: Portfolio Coordintor, EEP Africa
Fatuma Dabassa: Founder-CEO, Urembo hub limited-www.urembohub.com
Folarin Adegbemle: Senior Operations Associate, Research Evaluation and Data Team, IDInsight
Francis Nkurunungi: COO & Co-Founder, Xente
Francis Nasyomba: Principal, Raisin Capital
Franklin Kamnang Ngansop: Cofounder , Vitamin C&S Coaching
Gbenga Owolabi: Mr., Pendaxia Limited
Geogette Ndabukiye: Co-Founder & CMO, WaziVision
George Mulindwa: Investment Manager, GenAfrica Asset Managers
Glenn Digollo: Co-Founder & CSO, PeerCarbon
Grace Kabicho: General and Finance Manager, Izon Production Limited
Haris Ali: Chief Executive Officer, Vertechx Technologies Private Limited
Harry Mwangi: Vice President of Sales, EGM Securities
Idowu Akinde: Managing Director, Impact Hub Lagos
Ife Oyedele: Co-founder, Kobo360
Innocent Bagumira Tibayeita
Ivan Ivanka: CEO / General Partner, i1x Venture Studio / Camel Capital
Ivan Kahangire: Co Director, Founder Institute Kampala
Ivan Karugaba: CEO, Microfuse Computer Technologies
Ivaylo Ivanov: Director, Founder Institute Eastern Europe
Jacinta Anyinge: Leader, Founder Institute Kampala
James Byaruhanga: GENERAL MANAGER, RAXIO DATA CENTER
Jan Okonji: Founder, Business Growth Solutions
Jean Tristan Mianze: Managing Director , Premier Three Logistics
Jerry Oche: Founder/CEO, Zowasel
Joanne Mutsekwa: Ms, Daylio|T Advisory
Joe Ndirangu: Senior Legal Officer, Equity Group Holdings Plc and Equity Group Foundation
John Paul Namoma: Investment Officer, Nithio
Jonathan Okanlawon: Co-Founder/Board Executive , Global Croft Ltd
Joseph Karasha: Sr. Cloud Solution Architect , Microsoft
Joshua Murima: Head of Engagement & Investor Relations, Briter Bridges
Kanyi Ohawa: Director, All and Sundry Ltd
Katie Mapondera: Founder and Managing Partner, Q L and D LLC
Ken Oloo: Founder and Team Lead, Filamujuani
Kenneth Legesi: CEO & Co-Founder, Ortus Africa Capital
Kessiena Majemite: Founder/Managing Partner, CeedCap
Kirumba Mwaura: CEO, MSCA ltd
Kitawa Wemo: Founder & CEO, MAMA Social Ventures
Lanre Aina, ATHLST CO. LLC
Lavina Ramkissoon: AI Ethics and Technology Policy, African Union
Lavina Ramkissoon: Africa's Voice - Chairperson and Director #aiMom, Founder Institute
Lemuel Abishua: Product Manager, The Room
Leonard Korir: CEO, MobiDev
Lewam Kefela: Investment Director, Partech Partners
Lewi Maina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewi-maina-770a7a32, Simplex Business Solutions
Lilian Wambua: Operations Manager, Crosswise Works
Lincoln Njogu: Founder, Devs Kenya
Lindiwe Ngwenya
Linus Wahome: CEO, ManPro
Lujain Abbas: Legal and Compliance Lead, Lami Technologies Limited
Mandela Winnie: Product Associate, Amref Health Africa
Mark Kleyner: Co-Founder, Dream VC
Matiullah Rahmaty: Founder/President , BrightPoint Consulting Services
Maureen Macharia: CEO, Spindle Design
Meghan Mc Cormick: Co-Founder & CEO, OZE, & Dare to Innovate
Melissa Howell: Entrepreneur in Residence, Founder Institute Uganda + GRPTHNK
Mercy Kimalat: CEO, ASSEK
Michael Akampa: Co-Founder, Investure
Misa Nikolic: CEO, Resonator – Creative Tech Hub
More Argwings Kodhek: Director of Marketing, Made by People
Moses Abindabizemu: COO, Cellulant
Moses Abindabizemu: COO, Cellulant
Muthoni Wachira: Founder and CEO, ABC Studio
Mutugi M'Narobi: Managing Director, Made by People
Mwambutsa Edgar, Farm portal
Nabifo Wamunga: Founder and CEO, Uzazi hub
Nadia KANOUN: CEO, Senior Adviser, Trainer & Coach, IHSCEN for Startups
Nafiesah Abrahams: Community Manager, MEST Africa
Ndambuki Mutie: Senior Lead-Talent Acquisition, M-KOPA
Neha Pandya: Co-Founder & COO, Flip Africa
Nelson Kituuka: MD, Discount Cards Limited
Njoki Munene: Community & Social Media Manager, Sahihi Africa
Noreen Likimani: Program and Project Manager, MBM Africa
Nurudeen Elias: Chief Operating Officer, Robert & John Ltd.
Nyasha Mutsekwa, Adapt IT
Obol Muttu: Financial Analyst, Uganda Electricity Regulatory Authority
Ochieng' G. Akatch: Partner, MO Advocates LLP (MO Legal)
Olusola Amusan: Founder/CEO, Coven Works
Oluwatomisin Ashimolowo: Strategy Consultant, Profectus Capital
PASCHAL OFFORDUM: Associate , Shujaa Capital
Paul Breloff: CEO / Co-Founder, Shortlist
Paul Angatia: Regional Director, Kybernan Technologies
Paul Kioi: Group Information Systems Manager, FCS
Peter Ongera: Founder Director, African Homestay and Safaris
Philip Gasaatura: Country Director, Katapult
Pritam Onsker: Founder & CEO, Tailorsmart.in & Brunchbites.in
Rachel Ndungu: CEO, Biashara Africa
Rajeev Agarwal: CEO, Renga Tech
Rashaan Campbell: Senior Advisor, Director of Business Development, Pumapa Capital
Rebecca Sabiiti: Partner, Blair & Company Advocates
Reynolds Mwangi Mungai: Co-founder & CEO, Lukhu Inc.
Richard Otolo, 8teq solutions
Robert Kirunda: Partner, Kirunda & Wasige Advocates
Rose Mary Nakasenge Bbosa: Founder, MARBO GLOBAL INVESTMENTS LTD
Russell Brand: CEO & Founder, Responsible Solutions Limited
Ryan Dinh: Co-founder, Koni Studio & SubWallet
Sanjaykumar Patel: Founder & Principal IP Attorney, EXCELON IP - Patent & Trademark Attorneys
Sean Karanja: Founder, Project Exponential Kenya
Sheilah Birgen: CEO, The CoRD
Sheillah Nyang'ara: Founder and CEO, SNN-Realtor
Shiro Theuri: VP Engineering, Sendy
Silver Kayondo: Partner, Ortus Advocates
Simon Turner: Founding Partner, Groundbreaking, Managing Director, FI Ghana
Sola Adekanye: Founder, Open Innovation Access
Somet Kipchilat: Head of Product, Poa Internet
Stella Odiwuor
Stephen Ojji: Principal, Nocopycats LLC
Steven Wamathai: Principal, Evernai Capital
Sumaiyah Omar: Advocate, Mediator and Arbitrator , IPOA
Susan Nsibirwa: Managing Partner, Urge Uganda
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
Uche Aniche: Founder, Rebel Seed Capital
Vincent Ngondi
Vincent Aberi: Founder , Hillcroft Technologies
Vivien Patt: Group CFO, Simusolar Inc
Wakai Akino: Senior Consultant, Aliquot Ltd
Walied Albasheer: Managing Partner, Intuitio Ventures
Wambita Okanya: CEO, Koho Communications
Wanjiru Chabeda: Independent Consultant, Independent Consultant
Wanjiru Kamande: Miss, SELF EMPLOYED
Whitney Ogutu: Community Design Manager, The Room
Yemi Oluseun: Growth & GTM For FinTechs, The Change Hive
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.