Now is the time to rebuild: the world needs entrepreneurs to lead the way in creating a better future, for everyone.
Whether you have already launched a startup or are still in the idea-phase, this is the time to act. 2020 brought havoc to our health, our society, and our economy, and what remains is a world filled with reshuffling industries and new problems that need to be solved. As we embark on 2021, we each have an opportunity to play a part in helping shape that better future.
That's why we are excited to announce applications are now open for the New York Spring 2026 program.
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from New York's top investors and entrepreneurs to build something meaningful, then apply to the New York Spring 2026 Founder Institute today.
We will be hosting several free startup online events in New York over the coming weeks, where you can learn virtually from top entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home:
New York Events:
- [Restricted] New York Founders Night Out with Finta: 6:00pm, Apr 07, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/381888
Global or Regional Events:
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- How Aspiring Founders can Use AI to Test Ideas & Move Faster: 8:30pm, Mar 23, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/393881
- [Restricted] VIP Pitch Lounge: Get Feedback from Global Investors & Advisors (Private Event): 12:00pm, Mar 24, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/389062
- What Startup Ecosystems Get Wrong, and How to Fix Them: 12:30pm, Mar 30, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/394287
- Solo-Founder 101: How Anyone Can Start a Business Using AI: 12:00pm, Mar 31, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/392587
- From Idea to Startup Team: Meet Your Future Co-Founder: 8:00pm, Apr 06, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/392213
- Stuck Without a Startup Idea? Build One That Fits You: 8:00pm, Apr 07, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390138
- How Multiple Pivots positioned Checkbox as the ‘Legal Front Door’ for Corporations: 8:00pm, Apr 13, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/389472
- Real Startup Lessons From FI Alumni Across the World: 12:00pm, Apr 14, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390726
- Turn Your Expertise Into an Audience on LinkedIn: 12:00pm, Apr 27, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/392451
- How to Overcome the Fear of Starting Your Own Company: 12:00pm, Apr 28, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/394064
- How to Choose the Right Startup Idea Before You Build: 8:00pm, May 18, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390335
- Inside the Founder Institute: Real Stories From Alumni: 12:00pm, Jun 02, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390458
- Startup Advisors 101: How to Find Advisors and Maximize their Impact: 8:30pm, Jun 08, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/388436
- Turn Startup Hesitation Into Action: A Founder Mindset Framework: 8:00pm, Jun 15, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/393210
- Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A : 8:00pm, Jul 06, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/392831
- Stop Overthinking and Build a Great Startup Idea: 12:00pm, Jul 20, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390596
- From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 8:30am, Aug 10, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/393333
- Meet FI Alumni Founders: High-Growth Startups Panel : 12:00pm, Aug 10, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391148
- Build a Startup Idea Investors Won’t Ignore: 8:00pm, Aug 18, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391266
- What Makes Investors Say Yes: Startup Funding AMA: 12:00pm, Sep 01, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/392950
- Break the Idea Loop and Decide What to Build: 8:00pm, Sep 21, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391545
- From Idea to Traction: Lessons From Global FI Alumni: 8:30pm, Oct 05, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/390872
- From Dreamer to Doer: Build the Founder Mindset: 12:00pm, Oct 13, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/393463
- From Founder to Funded: Interactive Q&A with Top Startup Investor: 12:00pm, Nov 03, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/393090
- From “Maybe” to Momentum: Building a Great Startup Idea: 8:00pm, Nov 17, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391415
- From First Idea to First Funding: Global Alumni Stories: 12:00pm, Dec 01, 2026 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/391034
Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 200+ cities worldwide, the Founder Institute is designed to help you build an enduring business that can survive and thrive in this “new normal.” We do this by giving you a clear process combined with constant feedback from a devoted network of international entrepreneurs and investors. Participants in the 4-month core program also get access to a lifetime of support through the Founder Institute's industry-leading free post-programs.
The New York accelerator is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Reid Hamilton and Stefan Klotzbuecher. In addition, some of New York's top investors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs will be participating as mentors in the program, providing expert feedback and evaluation.
Since 2009, the Founder Institute has helped over 8,900 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).
Join us in New York to help build the future.
Apply to the New York Spring 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
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