Join our Global FounderX Conference in Silicon Valley
Apply
Founder Institute Image

Since 2009, the Founder Institute has helped launch over 50 startups across Los Angeles and New York City. Now we're getting ready to launch many more, as we gear up for new Spring 2012 Semesters in both cities. If you or someone you know could benefit from expert training and feedback to launch a technology startup in Los Angeles or New York City, then apply today

The Final Application Deadline for the New York City Founder Institute is Saturday, February 4th. Sessions take place on Wednesday evenings from February through May. 

The Early Application Deadline for Los Angeles is Sunday, February 12th. Sessions take place on Monday evenings from March until July.

Helping our founders across NY and LA with critical feedback, advice, and guidance are;

  • Alexandra Wilson, Founder of Gilt Groupe;
  • Andres Blank, Founder & COO of Pixable;
  • Brian Liu, Chairman & Co-Founder of LegalZoom;
  • David Teten, Parter of ff Venture Capital;
  • Evan Rifkin, CEO of Burstly.com;
  • Fred Joyal, CEO & Co-Founder of 1-800-DENTIST;
  • Jason Calacanis, CEO of Mahalo;
  • Jason Nazar, CEO of Docstoc;
  • Jeff Stewart, Founder of Lenddo, Urgent Group;
  • Kelly Perdew, CEO of RotoHog.com;
  • Max Haot, CEO of Livestream;
  • Michael Diamant, CEO of Skip Hop;
  • Nolan Bushnell, Founder of Atari, Chuck E. Cheese, and uWink;
  • Peter Pham, CEO of BillShrink;
  • Sam Yagan, CEO of OkCupid;
  • Scott Heiferman, CEO of Meetup;
  • Scott Painter, CEO of Zag;
  • Vinnie Lauria, Co-Founder of Lefora.com;
  • And many more. 
 

Click here to apply today

Related Insights

More insights
Founder Institute Image
FI News

Launch Your Startup in South Africa: A Complete Guide to Founder Institute

on Aug 07, 2026
Founder Institute Image
FI News

Founder Institute Australia NZ Opens Spring 2026 Applications

on Jul 21, 2026
Founder Institute Image
FI News

Build a Fundable Global Startup From Japan: Your Complete Guide

on Jul 17, 2026

Are you ready to apply to the world's largest pre-seed accelerator?

Apply to the Program
Applications are now open

Build your startup with AI agents doing the work

Join the FI Agentic Program: an AI-powered curriculum, world-class mentors, and free AI agents to turn your idea into a fundable company.

9,000+ companies launched since 2009

Turn your idea into the next unicorn

Our programs helped launch Udemy, Esusu, and thousands more, with a portfolio worth an estimated $20B. Yours could be next.

200+ cities and 95 countries

Join the world's largest agentic company builder

A global network of founders, mentors, and investors building enduring companies, with free AI agents to help you do the work.

Apply Now