We're hiring a Venture Associate to manage our global deal flow. Check it out.
Take your startup to the next level in Washington, D.C. with market access, expert mentorship, and a demo day with top regional investors.
In-Person
An intensive 4-month program to get you investment and scale-ready in Washington D.C.
Accelerate Product and Market Entry
Build Local Partnerships & Network
Enhance Pitch & Investment Readiness
Free Space & Perks
Demo Day & Investor Access
Equity-Free
The Penn West Accelerator is designed to help established, high-potential startups scale and grow in the U.S. market.
Submit an application for the upcoming program
Build your startup to scale through in-person sessions, networking opportunities, and expert office hours. See the full schedule below.
The real question is: can the Founder Institute be game-changing for your business? The answer is yes. Without FI, Udemy may have never raised any money.
Oddbox wouldn't exist without the Founder Institute. FI gave me the structure I needed to take Oddbox from idea to MVP but also pushed, challenged and guided me through the steps, insecurities and excitement of building an impact-led business.
The Founder Institute was instrumental in helping us understand how to validate our idea in the market, and helped us develop the entrepreneurial mindset required to build a startup.
Quickly increase connections to other ecosystem organizations, investors, and industry experts.
Join us for an upcoming event - local or global - to meet other founders and experts. Learn what you need to know now to scale your startup.
Based in Silicon Valley, the Founder Institute is the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator. Since 2009, FI's accelerators have helped launch thousands of fast-growing, funded technology companies across nearly every geography, industry, and sector.
9,000+
Portfolio Companies
2BN+
Portfolio Company Funding
200+
Chapter Cities
100+
Chapter Countries
6
Continents
40,000+
Global Mentors & Advisors
As part of the Penn West Accelerator, you’ll be building your company in the epicenter of global influence.
The ideal applicant is a seed-stage startup founder who’s ready to take their proven MVP into the U.S. market and is willing to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the program. You should be seeking hands-on access to seasoned mentors, strategic investors, and the Golden Triangle BID’s resources to accelerate your growth on the East Coast.
This government-funded program does not offer direct grants or equity investments to participants. However, you’ll engage with a curated network of investors throughout the program and at Demo Day, giving you ample opportunity to secure external funding.
No, there is no equity component to this program
Submit your application online; our Accelerator Director will review all entries and shortlist candidates for an interview. From those interviews, we’ll select just 15–20 companies to join the cohort.
We’re unable to provide visa processing, travel, or lodging on your behalf—but we’re happy to share trusted recommendations. All travel, visa, and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the founder
Join the FI Agentic Program: an AI-powered curriculum, world-class mentors, and free AI agents to turn your idea into a fundable company.
Our programs helped launch Udemy, Esusu, and thousands more, with a portfolio worth an estimated $20B. Yours could be next.
A global network of founders, mentors, and investors building enduring companies, with free AI agents to help you do the work.
Google
Linkedin