Founder Institute Officially Launches Pre-Seed Startup Accelerator in Abuja

The Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator, announced today that it is officially launching its newest chapter in Abuja. While the Silicon-Valley based program has chapters in over 200 cities worldwide, early-stage entrepreneurs in Abuja 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 Abuja Founder Institute are now open, and anyone interested in building a technology company can apply at FI.co/apply/abuja.

The Founder Institute provides high-potential entrepreneurs and teams with the support network and structured growth process needed to get to traction and funding.

Since 2009, the Founder Institute has helped over 7,000 Alumni raise over $1.75BN 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 Abuja, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs and hear more about the program:

Abuja Events:

Startup Ecosystem Unveiled: Abuja’s Entrepreneurs & Innovators Network: 11:00am, Apr 24, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/339156
[Restricted] Abuja Spring 2024 VIP Launch Mixer (In-Person): 11:00am, May 16, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/338237

Global or Regional Events:

Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
How to Acquire Your First Customers with Actionable SEO Strategies : 6:00pm, Apr 24, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/339030
Co-Founders Connect: Find a Business Partner Online: 1:00am, May 02, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/338681
How to Build a Fundable Start-up Brand: 6:00pm, May 20, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/338731
What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 6:00pm, Jun 03, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/343388
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 6:00pm, Jun 17, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/339861
How to Take a Value Proposition to Finding Product Market Fit: 6:00pm, Jun 24, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/341387
Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder: 1:00am, Jul 02, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/340172
How to Acquire your First 100 B2C Customers: 6:00pm, Jul 08, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/344348
Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 6:00pm, Jul 17, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/341286
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas : 6:00pm, Jul 29, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/341597
What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 6:00pm, Aug 12, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/344047
Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 6:00pm, Sep 16, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/342297
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 6:00pm, Sep 23, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/343494
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 6:00pm, Sep 25, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/344248
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 6:00pm, Oct 02, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/341986
What is Entrepreneur DNA? Insights from 15 Years of Social Science Research: 6:00pm, Oct 30, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/344545
Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder : 7:00pm, Nov 04, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/343280
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 2:00am, Nov 07, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/342096
Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network: 7:00pm, Nov 27, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/342486
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Dec 02, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/342192
What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research: 7:00pm, Dec 04, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/345284
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Dec 09, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/344737
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 7:00pm, Dec 16, 2024 (Africa/Casablanca): https://FI.co/e/344856

See all upcoming events

The experts that have been critical in bringing the Founder Institute to Abuja include local startup leaders Ajuma Ataguba (CEO, Founder Institute, Abuja), Catherine Mba (Program Associate, The Founder Institute Abuja), Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. (Co-founder, techbuild.africa), Segun Obakeye (Founder, 3VINELINK SOLUTIONS LIMITED).

Opportunities are flourishing in Abuja. 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 Abuja Spring 2024 Founder Institute program, including:

Abdulmalik Halilu: Director, Planning, Research & Statistics, NCDMB
Abubakar Abdullahi: Founder, The Front Office NG
Abubakar Sadiq: Group Executive Chairman , Canary Tech Ltd
Adedeji Owonibi: COO, Convexity
Adekunle Alli: Head, Balance Sheet and Performance Management , Standard Chartered Bank
Afolabi Imoukhede: CEO, MCS Consulting Limited
Afolabi Adetola: Managing Partner, Cedar Advisory Partners Limited
Ahmad Mukoshy: Founder & CEO, Gigalayer.com
Ahmed Buhari: CEO, Skylar Inc.
Aituaz Kola Oladejo: Executive Director, Financial Services Innovators (FSI)
Ajuma Ataguba: Managing Director, Founder Institute, Abuja
Akindayo Akindolani: Founder, McAnderson Institute of Technology
Akindele Phillips: CEO, Farmcrowdy
Amal Hassan: Founder/CEO, Outsource Global
Amal Hassan: Founder/CEO, Outsource Global
Andrew Abu: Founder, Young Innovators of Nigeria - YIN
Anna Ekeledo: Executive Director , AfriLabs
Arinze Anyaeche: CEO, Estendo Power Products Co.
Armando Mualumene: Founder and Project Developer & Team Leader, The iDEASLab
Ayobamigbe Teriba: Relationship Operations, Ingressive Capital
Ayodeji Rex Abitogun: Lead Consultant, Management Edge
Azuka Okofu: Group Head (SME), Bank of Industry
Bade Aluko: Managing Partner, White Hibiscus Capital
Bankole Oloruntoba: CEO, NCIC
Basil Udotai Esq.: Managing Partner , Technology Advisors
Bayo Omole: Partner, Matrix - Solicitors LLP
Bernard Frieder: Director, Analytics Intelligence
Betty Ugona: Former,Chief Innovation Officer (FCSN), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
Biola Akinyemi: Cloud Devops Consultant, UBS
Bridget Nwagbara: Founder, Viedial
Catherine Mba: CEO, FTL
Charles Emembolu: Board Chairman, Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs
Chijioke Omeh: CEO, Omart Enterprise
Chintan Oza: Founder, Anantam Ecosystems
Chioma Agwuegbo: Founder, TechHer
Chioma Keke: Head Of Business Development, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA)
Chris Foltz: Entrepreneur In Residence, Founder Institute + Responsible Solutions Ltd + IRG 100 CMO's & Change Agents
Chukwuemeka Nwakanma: CEO, Tobeit Consulting Limited
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr.: Managing Director /CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency
Comfort Nkana: CEO, C.S. NKANA & ASSOCIATES
Dagogo Karibi Whyte: Managing Partner, Kanyi Karibi -Whyte and Haastrup
Damilare Ogunleye: CEO, Hazina Ventures
Damilola Olokesusi: Co-Founder & CEO, Shuttlers
Daniel Steeves: CEO, Advance Advisory
Daniela Simão: Audit Committee Member, BANCO NACIONAL DE ANGOLA
David Idagu: Africa Regional Lead, C.Moore Media International Public Relations
David Abodunrin: Executive Director , Xpos Technologies
Davidson Oturu: Managing Partner, Nubia Capital ·
Dayal Nathan: Founder & CEO, Energyly
Decio Silva: Founder & CEO, NARISREC, Lda
Denise Williams: CEO & Co-Founder, SV-NED Inc.
Dimeji Bassir: Managing Director, OFSERV
Dotun Sulaiman: Chairman, Absa Nigeria/Cadbury Nigeria/SecureID/Parthian Partners
Doyin Adewola: CEO, Box Office Hub
Dr Nuratu Musa Abdullahi: Founder, SheMentors Initiative
Dr. Rislan Kanya: Director, Directorate of IT Services Chair Big Data Analytics and eGovernment Research Group at Baze University
Dr Salisu Uba, FCIPS: Founder, NatQuest
Dr. Sarah Nwinee: Assistant Director Training & Head, Linkages, Exchange & Partnerships, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI)
Dr. Segun Adaju: CEO, Consistent Energy Limited
Eduabasi Chukwunweike: Business Developement Manager, Microsoft
Ekaette Umoh: Senior Advisor, H. Pierson Associates
Ekaette Umoh: Senior Advisor, H. Pierson Associates
Emmanuel Oluwatosin: ED & Product Lead, Startupcourt
Engr. Simbi Wabote: Executive Secretary, NCDMB
Eric Annan: Founder/CEO, Aya Holding LLC
Eric Kaigama: Founder/CEO , QNTM BLKCHN, Inc; Africa Chamber of Digital Commerce (ACOFDC); Pythagoras Capital
Faiz Bashir: CEO, FlexiSAF
Festus Akobundu: Consumer Connections Manager, Guiness Nigeria
Fife Banks: CEO, BraveICONS Global
Frances Obiago: Senior Associate, Aelex
Freddy Atangana: Founder - Chief Executive Officer, EKAMOU
Funmi Ogbue: Founder & Managing Director, Zigma
Gamaliel Tanimomo: COO/Co-Founder, PressPayNg
Gbemi Akande: Managing Partner, Pacer Ventures
Gbite Oduneye: Founder and Managing Partner, ODBA
Hadiza Magoro: CEO, Koya Capital
Hafeez Kolawole: Founder/CEO, Kureen Ltd
Hannah Oyewole: Founder, Young Ladies Club
Hauwa Yabani: CEO, Abuja Technology Village FZ Co
Henry Ogbuagu: Co-Founder, Innovate Nigeria
Ibilola Amao: CEO, Lonadek Global Services
Ibrahim Bashir: Founder/CEO, dillali.com
Idowu Akinde: Founder, Boolean Labs
Idowu Akinde: Founder, Boolean Labs
Ife Adebayo: National Coordinator, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (IDICE)
Ifeanyi Orajaka: CEO, GVE Projects
Ifedy Eze: Managing Director, Founder Institute Lagos
Ifeoma Malo: CEO, Clean Technology Hub
Ifeyinwa Ufondu: Senior Associate, Benchmac & Ince
Iffat Mahmud: Regional Representative, Africa, Innovision Consulting Private Ltd.
Igor Ferreira: CEO, Fohat
Immaculate Odekina: Senior Associate, CANDELP
Israel Aye: Partner, CANDELP
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji: Founder & General Partner, Future Africa
Japheth J Omojuwa: Founder and Chief Strategist , Alpha Reach
Job Orjioke: Founder, Country wide Travels and Services Limited now pivoted to Turing Tech Limited
Jude Obiakor: Group Managing Director, FASYL Technology Group
Juliana Imam: Founder, Juliana Imam Intellectual Property and Creative Consult (JIIPCC)
Kadir Salami: CEO, Techspecialist Consulting
Kai Orga: Managing Director, ARM Investment Managers
Kamal Hassan: Founding Partner, Loyal VC
Kamal Hassan: Managing Partner, Ghaya Consulting
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE: Director-General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
Kate Pam-Semlek: Group CEO, The Stalwart Group
Katie Mapondera: Founder and Managing Partner, Q L and D, LLC
Katie Mapondera: Founder and Managing Partner, Q L and D LLC
Kazeem Tewogbade: CEO, Bluechip Technologies Ltd
Kelvin Biiranee: DGM/Group Head FINTEL, GTBank
Keshni Morar: Managing Director, Founder Institute South Africa + Investable
Keshni Morar: Managing Director, Founder Institute South Africa + Investable
Khalil Halilu: Founder, ShapShap
Kola Aina: Founder, Ventures Platform Hub
Lanre Philips: CEO, Elpee Consults
Lateef Ashekun: Deputy Chief Information Officer, Fulton County Government
Lavina Ramkissoon: AI Ethics and Technology Policy, African Union
Lavina Ramkissoon: Africa's Voice - Chairperson and Director #aiMom, Founder Institute
Lawrence Olawale Roberts: CEO , MicroBoss Technologies
Lekan Azeez Oganla: President CEO, SELLMedia Group
Leslie Emenalo: CEO, Kobopay
Louisa Ogwuru: CEO, Insiteful Solutions
Mahmood Mustapha: VC-in-Residence, Logos Capital
Mark Kleyner: Co-Founder, Dream VC
Martin Mbonu: Country Director, Sierra Leone & Director, MNOs (AWA), MFS Africa
Martín Martinez: Executive Director, Founder Institute Texas
Mary Uduk, Mni, Fcib, Fcs: Fmr. AG. DIRECTOR GENERAL, Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria
Maryam Lawan Gwadabe: Special Advisor to the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy , on Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital
Mercy Olorunfemi: Program Manager, Connect Lab
Mercy Olorunfemi: Program Manager, Work and Connect
Michael Oluwagbemi: Executive Partner, LoftyInc
Michael Aku: Digitalization Manager, CypherCrescent Nig Limited
Midowa Gbededo: Market Analyst, Schlumberger
Mohammed B. Hussaini: CEO, Copious Energy
Mohammed Ibrahim Jega: Founder, Startup Arewa
Mopelola Abudu: Managing Partner, AfriGloCal VC
More Argwings Kodhek: Director of Marketing, Made by People
Moses Saromi: CEO, First Icon Mutual Capital
Motunrayo Opayinka: Founder /CEO, Womenovate
Musa Ali Baba: CEO, Teasy Mobile
Nadia Al-Banna, PHD, MBA: Senior Director, Product and Business Development, Allarta Life Science
Nafisa Ali: Associate, Matrix Solicitors LLP
Nasir Yammama: Founder/CEO, Verdant Agri-Tech
Nkechi Oguchi: CEO, Ventures Park
Nkoyo Efretei: CEO, Insiteful Solutions
Nneka Eze: Managing Director, VestedWorld
Noel Akpata: CEO, Stratex Pro
Obinnaya Uruakpa: C.E.O, Grand Renaissance International Ltd
Ofordile Tony-Okeke: Co-Founder, OrderPaper Nigeria
Oge Nnaife MBA: Executive Director, Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs
Ogochukwu Francis Osifo: Co-Founder/VP, Engineering, 54gene
Olalekan Oshunkoya: Founder, eCove Space
Olaoluwa Olorunnisomo, MBA: Co-Founder/CEO, Seedbuilders
Olufemi Balogun: Co Founder/ Chief Executive Officer , PayVantage Limited
Oluseye Bassir: Fmr. Managing Partner, Lofty Inc.
Oluwatoyin Adegbite-Moore: CEO, Sheafam & Tam Limited
Osasenaga Enogieru: National Program Manager, Wennovation Hub
Oswald Osaretin Guobadia: Managing Partner, DigitA
Owuno Ogbeh: Founder, Farmore
Oyaje Idoko: CEO, Layer3 Tech
Oyewole Joledo: Country Director , Social Good Fund Africa
Oyin Solebo: Managing Director, ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator
Peter Ogedengbe: Team Lead, Exolve Tech
Philip Agbese Jnr.: Founder, CAVIC
Philip Agbese: CEO, Redemption Studio Ltd.
Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe: Founder, FASMICRO Group
Rachel Ndungu: CEO, Biashara Africa
Raji Mohammed: Co-Founder, MyLearningAcademy
Raphael Isah: CEO, Greysoft Technologies
Refilwe Sebego Walebowa (Fmva®): Associate Principal, Aleyo Capital
Saidu Abdullahi: President/CEO, Procentric IQ
Sam Immanuel: CEO, Semicolon Africa
Sameer Sortur: Founding Partner, SquareCircle Ventures
Samson Igoche: Founder & CEO, Aiivon Global Innovations
Samuel Akinniyi Ajiboyede: CEO, Zido
Samuel Zibiri: Principal Partner, EL SHADDAI CHAMBERS
Segun Obakeye: Director, Founder Institute, Abuja
Segun O. Silas: Principal Consultant, Top-worth Consulting
Senator Ihenyen: Mr, Intellectual Property Committee, NBA SBL
Shakirat Animashaun: Founder/CEO , The Enricher FinTech
Silvio Frank Pupo: CEO, Logos Capital Group
Simeon Ononobi: CEO, Connected Analytics
Simi Olusola: CEO, Aspilos Foundation
Simiola Olusola: Founder, Aspilos Foundation
Sola Adekanye: Founder, Open Innovation Access
Stella Uzochukwu: Country Director, Odyssey Foundation
Stephen Akintayo: CEO, GtextGlobal
Sudhir Rathore: Co-founder , SURJEN
Surayyah Ahmad: General Partner - Aduna Capital, Founding Partner - TT labs
Tajudeen Audu: CEO , TGS Taju Audu & Co.
Tayo Fagbenro: Managing Director /CEO, Vision Consulting
Tayo Ajimoko: Director, Rhetort Ltd
Temitope Isedowo: Programes Manager, AfriLabs
ThankGod Egbe: Technical Director/CEO, CypherCrescent Ltd.
Tijjani Sule: Founder, Managing Partner, RedWolf Consult Limited
Tobenna Nwokike: CEO, TLogix Solutions
Tomi Davies: Collaborator-in-Chief, TVC Labs
Toye Arulogun: Chairman, The Tall and Wide Company Limited
Tunji Oke: Co Founder, GetFundedAfrica
Uju Uzo Ojinnaka: CEO, Traders of Africa
Uyi Ewere: CEO, House 72 Limited
Victor Igharo: Founder/CEO, Sociocapital
Yahaya Maikori: Partner, Law Allianz
Yakubu Musa: Ag. National Coordinator, Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, NITDA
Yamani Ibrahim: Founder, Investapool
Yemi Oluseun: Founder/ CEO - Fintech, SaaS Business Growth, Automation & Change Management, The Change Hive
Yemisi Isidi: CEO, Triift Africa
Zareefa Mustafa: Manager, Cybersecurity at NITDA
Zumah Yahaya: Founder/ Managing Partner, Boubid 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.