Startup Communities are led by Startup Leaders. See the Top FI Directors of 2016

The 2016 Founder Institute Director Awards recognizes those who are playing pivotal roles in their local startup ecosystems, helping aspiring entrepreneurs launch successful companies. 

Our 400+ Directors are the backbone of the Founder Institute - providing the passion, dedication, and support that helped launch thousands of businesses since the Institute was founded in 2009. Directors have dedicated their time and energy to facilitate each Founder Institute chapter and have inspired our Founders to build the next generation of meaningful and enduring technology companies.

Interested in becoming a Director for FI? Click here to apply!

Among these great individuals, there are some Directors that stand out. On Thursday, we celebrated these extraordinary Directors at our first FounderX gathering, where we announced the winners for the following awards: 

Islamabad FI

• Sayyed Ahmad Masud (CEO, Change Mechanics) is an entrepreneur with a passion for educating others. Along with founding successful companies, he has taught courses for BA/BS and MBA programs at Islamabad's leading Universities (FAST, QAU, IIUI, Hamdard and others) for 22 years.
• Irfan Wahab Khan (Deputy CEO, Telenor Pakistan) is an internationally successful entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors.
• Yusuf Hussain (CEO & Founder, Dual Matrix Corporation) is an entrepreneur who founded a successful marketing startup before deciding to focus on educating aspiring entrepreneurs.

Sofia FI (Winner)

• Georgi Milenchev (CEO, Fonio Trade AD) is an entrepreneur who made a splash with Fonio, a medical company that imports and whole-sells hearing devices.
• Milen Ivanov (Founder, Horizons Bulgaria) has been a critical component of Sofia’s ecosystem, leading multiple successful startups and providing venture capital for other startups.

Madrid FI

• Alfonso Peletier (CEO, EpicLabs.io) is a business development expert with experience in creating Go-to-market strategies and designing healthy business models.
• Dhia Hammou (Regional Managing Director, Alstom Grid) is a Profits & Loss expert with an emphasis on the Energy sector with a history of executing successful business models.
• Jose Orallo (Coach, Ashoka) is a marketing and business development guru with years of startup coaching experience.
• Jose Manuel Person (Co-Founder, Guestperience) is a finance/business administration specialist with experience in managing startup expenditures and the hospitality industry.  

Tunisia FI

• Ali Mnif (CEO, MAZAM) is an entrepreneur dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs by creating services like MAZAM, which helps entrepreneurs connect with each other, and training entrepreneurs at Fortune 500 companies
• Emna Ghariani (Startup Consultant) is a pitch and lean startup expert who specializes in giving valuable feedback to startups regarding how to quickly build a product and present it to investors.
• Walid Sultan Midani (CEO, DigitalMania Studio) is a video game entrepreneur who has succesfully launched over 35 titles and pioneered the gaming industry in Tunisia.

New Delhi FI

• Siddharth Gupta (Director, Unidus Associates) is an entrepreneur with the ultimate goal of developing economically friendly and sustainable building products in India in order to minimize the carbon footprint.
• Vamshidhar Guthikonda (President, SIS Group), an expert in online banking and corporate development, headed Yahoo’s financial operations in India and Southeast Asia before entering the startup world.
• Varun Chandra (Co-founder, Desiredwings.com) is an entrepreneur with crowdfunding and micro-investment experience. He is a published author with books detailing the best way to gain venture funding.

 

Silicon Valley FI

• Ryan Micheletti (Co-founder, Vet Tech) is an investor and entrepreneur with an emphasis on funding early-stage startups. He is a strong proponent of military veterans in technology.
• Tuyet Tan (Startup Advisor & Ecosystem Leader) is an attorney and entrepreneur with a history of helping startups and coordinating with Founder Institute Directors around the globe.
• Ana Baltodano (CEO, Visualyst) is an entrepreneur with an expertise in providing pitch feedback and crafting business strategies for startups.

Greenville FI

• Ryan Johnston (Co-founder, TOWN Media Group), a serial entrepreneur with 4 successful startup launches, is an expert in startup traction.
• Jason Premo (Chairman, Premo Ventures) is an angel investor with expertise in creating and funding fledgling companies.
• Phil Yanov (Founder, GSA Technology Council) is a media guru with experience as a columnist, speaker, radio host, executive producer and prolific blogger.

Fort Lauderdale - Boca Raton FI (Winner)

• Rodolfo Novarini (VP of Business Development, Beesion) is a growth expert with over 15 years of experience in growing both startups and multinational branches.
• Mark Volchek (Founder, Higher One) is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a passion for education-related startups.
• Michel Triana (Founder, Intelerit) is an investor with expertise in developing investment analytics.

Miami FI

• Enrique Sierra (Partner, BTP Global) is a business architect with experience in creating business models and designing operations.
• Gustavo Fernandez (CFO, Royal Oak Kapital) is an accounting expert with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and agile development.
• Juan Meza (Strategic Business Development Manager, Sony), a marketing software expert, has provided his services to industry leaders in software and consumer electronics.

Belo Horizonte FI

• Andre Lara Resende (Founding Partner, Grupo Baanko) is an energy efficiency consultant and startup development specialist.
• Erik Cavalcante (Partner, Vox Capital) is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with IT experience and strategic planning.
• Luis Novo (CEO, Skore) has launched and managed multiple mobile technology companies and focuses on ideation.
• Renata Horta (Founder, Tropos Lab) is a startup educator and expert in behavioral design and product development.

Toronto FI (Winner)

• Kamal Hassan (CEO, IncMind) is an angel investor and microfinance expert with a passion for developing startup ecosystems.
• Sunil Sharma (Managing Partner, Extreme Venture Partners) is a venture capitalist with years of startup advisory experience.

New York FI

• Ramphis Castro (Fellow, Society of Kauffman Fellows), a venture capitalist and serial entrepreneur, has supported ecosystem growth in a myriad of cities.
• Kevin Siskar (Partner, Outbound Ventures) is a venture capitalist and hosts an entrepreneurship podcast where he gives advice to startups.

Chicago FI

• Jason Jacobsohn (Ecosystem Leader), a startup advisor, has helped connect entrepreneurs in the Chicago area as a networking expert.

Montreal FI

• Sergio Escobar (Ecosystem Leader, Entrepreneur & Investor) is an international entrepreneur who started his career in the Aerospace industry, launched Mobile Payment and vertically-integrated Ecommerce companies. He manages an impressive portfolio of leading Canadian/US early-stage startups in Hardware, Wearables, IoT, Enterprise SaaS, FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, and FoodTech. Passionate for developing startup ecosystems in emerging markets as Global Facilitator for Techstars. Sergio is mentor and judge in Canada, Latin America, Silicon Valley, Singapore and London for different programs such as Momentum Accelerator, FounderLab, Startup Bootcamp FinTech, Startup Chile, Startup Peru and PitchIT Carribbean. 
• LP Maurice (CEO, Budsbud) is an internationally recognized entrepreneur with experience in both running startups and developing products for multinational companies.

Los Angeles & San Diego FI

• Jeanine Jacobson (Ecosystem Leader), an expert in business development and startup growth, has coached startups and forged a network throughout Southern California.

 

Curitiba FI (Winner)

• Nima Kazerooni (Impact Founder & Civic Innovator), a seasoned entrepreneur with diverse experience and knowledge with a passion for evangelizing the future of Brazilian innovation.
• Stephan Garcia (Founder, Bebezucos) an experienced entrepreneur and founder with extensive IT expertise in startups, industry & government (ICI/ Curitiba)
• Bruno Dequech Ceschin (Venture Capitalist at Baltoro Group) a venture capitalist with a special interest in real estate funds, wealth management and fundraising strategies for startup ventures.
• Luciano Kalil (Co-Founder and CEO at SitePX) a former CIO and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the Information Technology sector.

San Juan, Puerto Rico FI

• Sofia Stolberg (CEO, Codetrotters) an entrepreneur, mentor and ecosystem developer with a passion for enabling entrepreneurs to grow and thrive.
• Jonathan Gonzalez (CEO, KyteLabs) is a programmer and designer with product development expertise.
• Manny Morales (Founder, Tix.By) is an entrepeneur with B2B expertise and a passion for solving problems in novel ways.

Sao Paulo FI

• Luis Novo (CEO, Skore) startups and large companies to build and deliver high-impact innovative products.
• Erik Cavalcante (Partner, VOX Capital) is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a depth of experience in IT/Telecommunication industry, particularly dealing with strategic planning and business development.

Costa Rica FI

• Ignacio Castro (Senior IT Manager, Santander) versatile business executive with extensive project management experience and a passion for cultivating entrepreneurship through well-executed growth strategy.
• Randall Trejos (Entrepreneur and advisor) seasoned entrepreneur and advisor for startup and small business development with a strong background in behavioral sciences.
• Vivian Arias (Experience Manager) - is a researcher and an expert in startup development, particularly research and analysis to support business activity and creation.

Mexico City FI

• Eugenio Perea - (Partner at PerSe Capital) - is a venture capitalist and entrepreneur with particular interest and experience cultivating a cohesive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Ruben Serros Garduno - (Partner at PerSe Capital) - a serial entrepreneur and investor with a passion for developing startup ecosystems.

 

London FI (Winner)

• Darrell Knight (President, Buzzigo) is a marketing and strategy expert who has launched multiple successful startups.
• Simon Lavers (Director, Hartnup Group), a startup advisor and investor, has aided and coached startups for over a decade.
• Mark Evans (Advisor, Spring Partners) is an early stage investor with experience running software startups.

Tunisia FI

• Ali Mnif (CEO, MAZAM) is an entrepreneur dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs by creating services like MAZAM, which helps entrepreneurs connect with each other, and training prospective entrepreneurs for companies including Cisco.
• Emna Ghariani (Startup Consultant) is a pitch and lean startup expert who specializes in giving valuable feedback to startups regarding how to quickly build a product and present it to investors.
• Walid Sultan Midani (CEO, DigitalMania Studio) is a video game entrepreneur who has succesfully launched over 35 titles and pioneered the gaming industry in Tunisia.

Barcelona FI

• Oriol Bes (Startups & Entrepreneurship Manager, Reimagine Food) is an entrepreneur with experience in food technology and a passion for growing that sector.
• Urs Rothmayr (International Business Development Director, Trovel) is a business development expert with a passion for cultivating startup ecosystems.  
• Juan Castilla (Director of Expansion, Komunica) is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in business development and expansion.

Lisbon FI

• Carlos DaSilva (Professor & Ecosystem Leader) experienced entrepreneur and founder with a passion for advising startups and developing the Lisbon startup ecosystem.

Saint Petersburg FI 

• Jane Smorodnikova (Co-founder, Mailburn) is a startup coach and entrepreneur with an emphasis on big data.
• Pavel Pravdin (Co-founder, Mailburn) is an entrepreneur over a decade of management experience and a passion for growing startups.
• Arcady Khotin (Co-founder, Mobile Monday) is an expert in managing outsourced software development and has launched multiple successful startups

 

Jakarta FI (Winner)

• Andy Zain (Director, migme) is an investor, advisor, and founder who has launched successful startups launched throughout Asia.
• Novistiar Rustandi (CEO, HarukaEdu) is an accomplished consultant and founder, with an emphasis in business process management.
• Sanny Gaddafi (Co-founder, 8 Villages) is a multiple entrepreneur with experience in developing social networks and an expertise in product strategy.

Singapore FI

• Jeffrey Paine (Managing Partner, Golden Gate Ventures) is an investor with expertise in the startup process and ecosystem development.
• Alvin Yap (Founder, Laku6.com) is a serial entrepreneur since the age of 19 with experience in eCommerce.

Hyderabad FI

• Bipin Pendyala (Co-founder, SuVitas) is a startup growth expert with an emphasis on global software development.
• Ramesh Loganathan (VP of Product, Progress Software) is an entrepreneur with a track record of rapid growth.
• Sanjay Enishetty (Co-founder, 50k Network) is an investor and ecosystem leader with multiple successful exits.
• Srinivas Kollipara (Founder, T-Hub) is an angel investor with a passion for growing the Hyderabad startup scene.

• Toshio Furuta (CEO, Clair Law Firm) is an attorney and entrepreneur with years of startup mentoring experience and legal advising.
• Kenji Sadamoto (Founder, BePath), a serial entrepreneur, is an expert in launching IT startups.
• Yoshihiro Kidachi (President, BOIDSCraft) is an investor and financial consultant for startups.
• Satoshi Okuda (CEO, Prime Style) is an entrepreneur with IT development and startup marketing experience.

Malaysia FI

• Heislyc Loh (Founder, Corate) is a hackathon leader and the founder of Malaysia’s largest tech startup community.
• Tzu Ming Chu (Founder, Persuasion Technologies) is a web analytics expert with a background in consulting.
• Edwin Wang (Founder, SignatureSnack.com) is a software entrepreneur with experience at some of the world's most exciting startups.

 

Sydney FI

• Daniel Ringrose (Partner, Pollenizer) is an expert in intrapreneurship and creative culture, with a passion for helping entrepreneurs build enduring companies.
• Benjamin Chong (Partner, Right Click Capital) is an investor who has mentored startups throughout Australia.

Perth FI (Winner)

• Andrew Hall (Partner, Stone Ridge Ventures) is an investor who has helped over 100 startups execute growth strategies.
• Kirsten Rose (Senior Manager, BHP Billiton) is an expert in business strategy with an emphasis on emerging sustainable energy technologies.

Melbourne FI

• Matt Allen (Co-founder, DoneSafe) is an entrepreneur with experience in software development and several successful exits.
• Sebastian von Conrad (Architecture Grand Master, Envato), a technology leader and entrepreneur, is an expert in software development and architecture.
• Sally Gatenby (Director, Larkspur Communications) - is a digital strategy and communications expert with experience in helping startups gain traction.

 

Sergio Escobar (Montreal FI)

• Sergio Escobar (Ecosystem Leader, Entrepreneur & Investor) is an international entrepreneur who started his career in the Aerospace industry, launched Mobile Payment and vertically-integrated Ecommerce companies. He manages an impressive portfolio of leading Canadian/US early-stage startups in Hardware, Wearables, IoT, Enterprise SaaS, FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, and FoodTech. Passionate for developing startup ecosystems in emerging markets as Global Facilitator for Techstars. Sergio is mentor and judge in Canada, Latin America, Silicon Valley, Singapore and London for different programs such as Momentum Accelerator, FounderLab, Startup Bootcamp FinTech, Startup Chile, Startup Peru and PitchIT Carribbean. 

Nima Kazerooni (Curitiba FI)

• Nima Kazerooni (Impact Founder, Civic Innovator), a seasoned entrepreneur with diverse experience and knowledge with a passion for evangelizing the future of Brazilian innovation.

Jeanine Jacobson (Los Angeles & San Diego FI) - Winner

• Jeanine Jacobson (Ecosystem Leader), an expert in business development and startup growth, has coached startups and forged a network throughout Southern California.

Sunil Sharma (Toronto FI)

• Sunil Sharma (Managing Partner, Extreme Venture Partners) is a venture capitalist with years of startup advisory experience.

Kamal Hassan (Toronto FI)

• Kamal Hassan (CEO, IncMind) is an angel investor and microfinance expert with a passion for developing startup ecosystems.

 

Malaysia FI (Winner)

• Heislyc Loh (Founder, Corate) is a hackathon leader and the founder of Malaysia’s largest tech startup community.
• Tzu Ming Chu (Founder, Persuasion Technologies) is a web analytics expert with a background in consulting.
• Edwin Wang (Founder, SignatureSnack.com) is a software entrepreneur with experience at some of the world's most exciting startups.

Manila FI

• Allan Tan (CEO, Ideyatech), an entrepreneur with a passion for creative solutions, has a background in product and software development.
• Dale David (Founder, Pickld) is an entrepreneur with experience developing social networks and mobile apps.
• David Elefant (Co-founder, Ace Wireless Network Philippines) is an entrepreneur and consultant with expertise in process outsourcing and development.
• Jorge Azurin (Co-founder, Horsepower.ph) is a serial entrepreneur and investor with an emphasis on IT technologies and online content.

Bangalore FI

• Naveen Lakkur (Innovation Coach & Advisor) is an entrepreneur, investor, and coach with a passion for enabling innovation and developing leadership.

Montreal FI

• Sergio Escobar (Ecosystem Leader, Entrepreneur & Investor) is an international entrepreneur who started his career in the Aerospace industry, launched Mobile Payment and vertically-integrated Ecommerce companies. He manages an impressive portfolio of leading Canadian/US early-stage startups in Hardware, Wearables, IoT, Enterprise SaaS, FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, and FoodTech. Passionate for developing startup ecosystems in emerging markets as Global Facilitator for Techstars. Sergio is mentor and judge in Canada, Latin America, Silicon Valley, Singapore and London for different programs such as Momentum Accelerator, FounderLab, Startup Bootcamp FinTech, Startup Chile, Startup Peru and PitchIT Carribbean. 
• LP Maurice (CEO, Budsbud) is an internationally recognized entrepreneur with experience in both running startups and developing products for multinational companies.

Chicago FI

• Jason Jacobsohn (Partner, Reliable Partner Ventures), a venture capitalist and startup advisor, has helped connect entrepreneurs in the Chicago area as a networking expert.

 

San Diego FI

• Jeanine Jacobson (Ecosystem Leader), an expert in business development and startup growth, has coached startups and forged a network throughout Southern California.  

Tunisia FI

• Ali Mnif (CEO, MAZAM) is an entrepreneur dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs by creating services like MAZAM, which helps entrepreneurs connect with each other, and training prospective entrepreneurs for companies including Cisco.
• Emna Ghariani (Startup Consultant) is a pitch and lean startup expert who specializes in giving valuable feedback to startups regarding how to quickly build a product and present it to investors.
• Walid Sultan Midani (CEO, DigitalMania Studio) is a video game entrepreneur who has succesfully launched over 35 titles and pioneered the gaming industry in Tunisia.

San Francisco FI (Winner)

• Ben Larson  (Co-founder, Gateway Incubator) entrepreneur and investor with a passion for helping to launch startups in emerging market areas.
• Carter Laren (Co-founder, MOX) is a founder and startup advisor with experience in product development and early stage growth.

Toronto FI

• Kamal Hassan (CEO, IncMind) is an angel investor and microfinance expert with a passion for developing startup ecosystems.
• Sunil Sharma (Managing Partner, Extreme Venture Partners) is a venture capitalist with years of startup advisory experience.

Manila FI

• Allan Tan - (CEO, Ideyatech), an entrepreneur with a passion for creative solutions, has a background in product and software development.
• Dale David - (Founder, Pickld) is an entrepreneur with experience developing social networks and mobile apps.
• David Elefant - (Co-founder, Ace Wireless Network Philippines) is an entrepreneur and consultant with expertise in process outsourcing and development.
• Jorge Azurin - (Co-founder, Horsepower.ph) is a serial entrepreneur and investor with an emphasis on IT technologies and online content.

 

Montreal FI (Winner)

• Sergio Escobar (Ecosystem Leader, Entrepreneur & Investor) is an international entrepreneur who started his career in the Aerospace industry, launched Mobile Payment and vertically-integrated Ecommerce companies. He manages an impressive portfolio of leading Canadian/US early-stage startups in Hardware, Wearables, IoT, Enterprise SaaS, FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, and FoodTech. Passionate for developing startup ecosystems in emerging markets as Global Facilitator for Techstars. Sergio is mentor and judge in Canada, Latin America, Silicon Valley, Singapore and London for different programs such as Momentum Accelerator, FounderLab, Startup Bootcamp FinTech, Startup Chile, Startup Peru and PitchIT Carribbean. 
• LP Maurice (CEO, Budsbud) is an internationally recognized entrepreneur with experience in both running startups and developing products for multinational companies.

Vietnam FI

• Tuan Pham (Founder & CEO at TOPICA Edtech Group) an ecosystem leader and educator with a passion for cultivating high growth startups.
• Tran Manh Cong (Co-Founder & Vice Chairman Bankgo) - a seasoned entrepreneur and ecosystem leader with a strong background in finance.
• Trung Anh (Associate at IDG Ventures Vietnam) - an experienced venture capitalist with a strong interest in retail, education, and digital industries.
• Quang Mai (Founder at AZStack) - former CIO and entrepreneur with a a background in software development and platform solutions.

Santiago FI

• Allan Jarry (Co Founder/Managing Partner, JarryIP SpA) is an entrepreneur active in the VC industry and web-based startup investments.
• Maria Sandoval (Dadneo) is a local startup leader who specializes in education and business consulting.
• Pablo Ambram (Director of ADN-Mentor Network Dadneo) is an entrepreneur by calling and economist by profession.

Sydney FI

• Daniel Ringrose (Partner, Pollenizer) is an expert in intrapreneurship and creative culture, with a passion for helping entrepreneurs build enduring companies.
• Benjamin Chong (Partner, Right Click Capital) is an investor who has mentored startups throughout Australia.

Bangladesh FI

• Sajid Rahman (CEO, Telenor Health) is an investor and technical leader with an expertise in developing technologies for emerging markets.
• Minhaz Anwar (Founder, Startup Bangladesh) is an ecosystem leader with a passion for growing Bangladesh’s startup scene and entrepreneurial culture.
• Anita Ghazi Rahman (Founder, The Legal Circle) is an attorney and entrepreneur who has become a key component of Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem.

 

New York FI (Winner)

• Ramphis Castro (Fellow, Society of Kauffman Fellows), a venture capitalist and serial entrepreneur, has supported ecosystem growth in a myriad of cities.
• Kevin Siskar (Partner, Outbound Ventures) is a venture capitalist and hosts an entrepreneurship podcast where he gives advice to startups.

Hyderabad FI

• Bipin Pendyala (Co-founder, SuVitas) is a startup growth expert with an emphasis on global software development.
• Ramesh Loganathan (VP of Product, Progress Software) is an entrepreneur with a track record of rapid growth.
• Sanjay Enishetty (Co-founder, 50k Network) is an investor and ecosystem leader with multiple successful exits.
• Srinivas Kollipara (Founder, T-Hub) is an angel investor with a passion for growing the Hyderabad startup scene.

Kabul FI

• Omar Ansari (President, TechNation) is an entrepreneurial leader in Kabul specializing in information technology and services.
• Roia Shefayee (Principal & Founder, Wellspring Advisers) is a corporate and securities attorney counseling emerging growth technology companies.
• Edriss Raha (Director of Sales & Marketing, MOBY GROUP) is an experienced consultant with an emphasis in sales and marketing.

Islamabad FI

• Sayyed Ahmad Masud (CEO, Change Mechanics) is an entrepreneur with a passion for educating others. Along with founding successful companies, he has taught courses for BA/BS and MBA programs at Islamabad's leading Universities (FAST, QAU, IIUI, Hamdard and others) for 22 years.
• Irfan Wahab Khan (Deputy CEO, Telenor Pakistan) is an internationally successful entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors.
• Yusuf Hussain (CEO & Founder, Dual Matrix Corporation) is an entrepreneur who founded a successful marketing startup before deciding to focus on educating aspiring entrepreneurs.

Karachi FI

• Abdullah Soomro (Founder, PerkUp) has founded several startups, with experience in corporate sales, digital media marketing, and customer service.
• Hassan Qureshi (Co Founder & COO, PerkUp) is an entrepreneur and has worked in the transportation and logistics sector for over 20 years.
• Athar Osama (Founder/Director, Technomics International) is an experienced entrepreneur with a focus on economic and technology policy.

 

Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees, and special thanks to all the attendees of FounderX, our largest ever gathering of the Founder Institute community. 

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