Now, more than ever, the world needs entrepreneurs to build the future.
At the Founder Institute, we know times are tough, but we also know that economic downturns are a great time to start a business. This isn't just conjecture - the Founder Institute was started in April of 2009 (during the "Great Recession"), and world-leading companies like Microsoft, Tesla, and Apple also took advantage of cost savings during a recession to launch and get their initial traction.
That's why we are excited to announce today that applications are now open for the Munich - Germany Spring 2026 program.
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Munich's top investors and entrepreneurs to build something meaningful, then apply to the Munich - Germany Spring 2026 Founder Institute today.
We will be hosting several free startup online events in Munich over the coming weeks, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home:
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 2:00am, Nov 11, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/382162
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- How to Unlock Your Region’s Entrepreneurial Potential for Economic Growth: 6:00pm, Nov 12, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/382166
- Ask an Investor Anything: Q&A with Kirby Winfield (GP, Ascend VC): 7:00pm, Nov 17, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/382177
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 7:00pm, Nov 24, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/382209
- How to Build Your 2026 Startup Operations Plan: 7:00pm, Dec 01, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/382205
- Hiring for Startups: How to Build Your Team Early: 7:00pm, Dec 08, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/382197
- Founder Showcase: Startup Pitch & Networking Event, with Jenny Fielding (Everywhere Ventures): 6:00pm, Dec 10, 2025 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/382189
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 7:00pm, Jan 26, 2026 (Europe/Berlin): https://FI.co/e/382185
Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 200+ cities worldwide, the Founder Institute provides high-potential entrepreneurs and teams with the devoted support network and structured growth process needed to get to traction and funding. Participants in the 4-month core program also get access to a lifetime of support through the Founder Institute's industry-leading post-programs.
The Munich program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Claudia Schaller, Francisco Tavira, Jennifer Schwade, Magdalena Muttenthaler, and Nathan Evans. In addition, some of Munich's top investors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs will be participating in the program, providing them with expert feedback and evaluation.
Since 2009, the Founder Institute has helped over 8,100 Alumni raise over 1.9BN 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).
Join us in Munich and help build the future.
Apply to the Munich - Germany Spring 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
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