The Founder Institute, the world’s largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program, announced today that it is officially launching in Islamabad, Pakistan. With operations also in Karachi (applications open now!), the Founder Institute is now helping to launch early stage companies across two cities in Pakistan.
Applications to the first ever Islamabad Founder Institute are open now, and anyone interested in launching a technology company is welcome to apply at http://FI.co/apply/islamabad.
The Silicon-Valley based program decided to officially launch in Islamabad after a trial in the city saw over 300 attendees participate in an "Exploratory Semester". In order to celebrate the launch, the Islamabad Founder Institute will host a series of free startup events for the general public - to see the full list of upcoming events, visit http://fi.co/curriculum/islamabad.
Through the Founder Institute’s four-month program, promising entrepreneurs “learn by doing” and launch a company with structured training, expert feedback, and support from experienced startup CEOs. Since the program is part-time, it is also a great opportunity for full-time professionals to test and build their ideas before making “the leap” from employee to entrepreneur and quitting their jobs. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, the Founder Institute has helped launch over 7,500 companies, including fast-rising startups across 6 continents like Udemy, Realty Mogul, iCarsClub, Itembase, goplaceit, Appota, and many more.
The Founder Institute first launched it's first Pakistan chapter in Karachi in late 2014, graduating four promising new technology companies, and receiving favorable reviews from both the program graduates and local investment organizations.
"Our first program in Pakistan was a resounding successs, as we were able to launch four very promising companies in Karachi, and get a significant amount of support from dignitaries, local press, and organizations like DotZero. We're looking forward to launching many more promising companies in Pakistan with the new Islamabad program." - Adeo Ressi, CEO of the Founder Institute
Leading the Founder Institute's efforts in the capital city are Sayyed Ahmad Masud (CEO, Change Mechanics), Tahir Chaudhry (President & CEO, PIE.), and Yusuf Hussain (CEO & Founder, Dual Matrix Corporation).
Other successful entrepreneurs who have signed on mentor founders in the upcoming program include:
- Ambreen Malik: Founder & CEO, Blue Angel
- Asad Karim: CEO, Tele Taleem
- Asad Iqbal Siddiqui: Managing Partner, Asad, Daham & Co.
- Ayesha Hamid: Chairperson/CEO, George Washington American School of International Academics
- Faisal Sherjan
- Haider Raza: CEO, Evolution Partners
- Huma Beg: Founder, Ministry of Change
- Imtiaz Rastgar: Chairman, Rastgar Group of Companies
- Iqtidar Zaidi: Founder & CEO, Tech Access Pakistan
- Jehangir Sherpao: Managing Partner, CITE
- Junaid Kalim: Founder & CEO, Kalim Group
- Kulsoom Lakhani: CEO, invest2innovate
- Malik Arif Hayat: Angel Investor
- Monis Rahman: Chairman & CEO, Naseeb Networks
- Murtaza Zaidi: CEO, CyberVision
- Naeem Zamindar: Pakistan Country Director & CEO, Acumen Fund
- Owais Anjum: Founder & CEO, Cricout
- Wahaj Siraj: CEO, Nayatel
- Zeenat Ayesha: Founder & CEO, Papasallis Restaurant
- And many more to be announced.
Anybody who is interested can apply to the Islamabad Founder Institute at http://FI.co/apply/islamabad. Anyone who applies by the Early Application Deadline on October 4th, 2015 is eligible for a variety of scholarships - including the Female Founder Fellowship, which is offered to the best overall female applicant.
Learn more about the Founder Institute at http://fi.co.
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About the Founder Institute
The Founder Institute (www.FI.co) is the world's largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program, helping aspiring founders across the globe build enduring technology companies. In the Founder Institute's four-month, part-time program, promising startup entrepreneurs "learn by doing" and launch a company through structured training courses, practical business-building assignments, and expert feedback from a large network of business mentors. Plus, aspiring founders are not required to quit their day job to participate, so they can begin building a business around their ideas without putting their livelihood at risk.
Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 200 cities and 100 countries, the Founder Institute has helped launch over 7,500 companies, which have created over 30,000+ new jobs. The company's mission is to "Globalize Silicon Valley" and create sustainable startup ecosystems that will create one million new jobs worldwide.
