This past weekend, we announced that the Founder Institute has surpassed 1000 graduate companies (the story was covered by Anthony Ha on TechCrunch here). In total, we have launched 1003 companies across 55 cities, 30 countries, and 6 continents, and these companies have created over 10,000 jobs and have an estimate portfolio value of $5 billion.
What most people don't know is that the Founder Institute is only 4.5 years old (it was founded in April of 2009), and employs just 8 full-time (and very hard working) staff in a small office in downtown Mountain View, CA. Like the startups we help build, the Founder Institute is incredibly lean, we work long hours, our days are fueled by caffeine, our nights are fueled by wine, we have an office dog to cheer us up (Hercules), and we often do quirky things to keep us amused (ask us about our "Launch Gong").
So, how have we launched 1003 companies? Well, first, we have an amazing worldwide network of Local Directors who organize the local chapters, and they are undoubtedly our greatest asset as an organization. Next, we have an equally amazing network of over 3000 mentors who have built startups before and provide our founders with invaluable training and feedback. Then, we mix these two elements with talented aspiring founders, and create an environment where new founders can be successful.
When you put smart people together in a structured environment where everyone's interests are aligned, amazing things happen. We like to call this "Globalizing Silicon Valley", and it is explained in the infographic below.
Check it out, and;
- If you could use expert training and feedback to launch a technology company, then Apply to the Founder Institute today.
- If you want to help foster entrepreneurship on a global scale, then Launch a Founder Institute Chapter in your local city.
Like this article?
