Today, perhaps more than ever before, the world needs entrepreneurs to build a better future.
At the Founder Institute, we know this is a time of great uncertainty, but we also know that economic downturns are a great time to start a business. This isn't just conjecture - it is supported by historical business cycles and the experiences of seasoned entrepreneurs. The Founder Institute itself 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 Singapore 2026 program.
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Singapore and Silicon Valley's top investors and entrepreneurs to build something meaningful, then apply to the Singapore 2026 Founder Institute today.
We will be hosting several free startup online events in Singapore over the coming weeks, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home:
Singapore Events:
- Meet the Singapore Startup Ecosystem (VIP Networking Event): 7:00pm, Aug 24, 2026 (Asia/Singapore): https://FI.co/e/400693
Global or Regional Events:
- How to Get Customer Feedback on your Startup Idea in the Age of AI: 12:00am, Aug 19, 2026 (Asia/Singapore): https://FI.co/e/403493
- Stop Guessing, Start Raising: An Investor Q&A: 12:00am, Sep 02, 2026 (Asia/Singapore): https://FI.co/e/403858
- How to Create a Great First Startup Pitch using AI: 8:30am, Sep 15, 2026 (Asia/Singapore): https://FI.co/e/403634
- From Idea to Action: The Startup Mindset : 12:00am, Oct 21, 2026 (Asia/Singapore): https://FI.co/e/404255
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 Singapore-Silicon Valley program will be led by top startup leaders, including Jayren Teo (Director, FI Singapore), Yee Gary Ang (Director, FI Singapore).
In addition, some of Singapore's top investors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs will be participating in the program, providing them with expert feedback and evaluation. The list of startup mentors for the Singapore Founder Institute includes:
- Aaron Kong: Principal, We are Brand Utility
- Andrew Chou
- Arjun Thomas: Founder & Venture Strategist , ArcShift
- Bilal Ismail: Founder, Dalil Concierge
- Chee Leong Thoo
- Dan Soh: Partner, AlfaCove
- David Weekly: CEO, Medcorder & Network Weather
- David Yin: Co-Founder & Managing Director, Yes 2 Games
- Eddie Lim: Executive DIrector, Singapore Local Bank
- Gabriel Sim
- Gerald Ong: Founder/CEO, Conscious Emergence Pte Ltd
- Jae Lee: Co-founder and CEO, FM Insight
- Jayren Teo
- Jed Ng: Super Angel & Founder, Angel School
- Jeffrey Paine: Founding Partner, Golden Gate Ventures, Singapore
- Jocelyn Ng
- Joseph Lee: Mr, Janesis Consulting
- Kelvin Tan: Career Development and Coaching Specialist, Ingeus Pte Ltd
- Mandy Hon: Co-Founder & CEO, ImpacFat |
- Niket Desai: GSD Wizard + Product, Punchd, Google Austria
- Ophilia Yong
- Orkan Akcan
- Paul Meyers: CEO, Appetite Labs
- Peiyun Tan
- Prashant Saxena: Regional VP, Revenue at Isentia | PhD from NTU | Adjunct Prof at ESSEC , Singapore
- Ser Yeng Ler, SUSS
- Siavash Sakhavi: Head of AI Product Engineering, Prudential Assurance Company SIngapore
- Tony Yang: Process Consultant, APAC Business Transformation Group , Allied World Assurance
- Yan Yuan Tan: Chief Executive Officer, Y Medical & Wellness Pte. Ltd.
- Yee Gary Ang: Family Physician, Nhg polyclinic
- And many more to be announced.
Since 2009, the Founder Institute has helped over 9,000 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 Singapore and help build the future.
Apply to the Singapore 2026 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
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