Join our Global FounderX Conference in Silicon Valley

Launch Your Startup in PA, NJ, and Beyond

Founder Institute Keystone helps early-stage founders grow their startup from idea to funding with a global network and proven methodology.

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Program Dates
Oct 20, 2026 Jan 06, 2027
Early Deadline
Aug 25, 2026
Early Entrance Fee
$999 $1299
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The Core Experience

Building a business is hard. Share in the journey alongside like-minded entrepreneurs, and build your startup following a structured, proven process that will get you from idea to investors.

Essential Support Network

You're not alone! Access the world's largest network of startup mentors and FI alum who are invested in your success.
Beyond the program, best-in-class access to a lifetime of resources, experts, and partners

Structured, Proven Methodology

A guided step-by-step program teaches you where to focus, what to work on when, and how to gain investors' attention
Personal assignments and sprints are based on your stage of development and designed to ensure you get to the next step

Challenge Yourself

The program requires tenacity and passion. Fewer than 40% of accepted founders make it through to graduation.
Your success is rewarded. Get fast-tracked to Funding Lab and special programs for your best chance to get funding.

Session Calendar

Below are the dates for the upcoming program

Onboarding
Oct 13, 2026
06:00pm EDT
Kickoff
Oct 20, 2026
06:00pm EDT
Vision
Oct 21, 2026
06:00pm EDT
View Full curriculum

Featured Grad

FI Grad Company

From our Silicon Valley chapter, Udemy is the global leader in online learning, with nearly 200,000 courses. The company went public on the NASDAQ in October 2021, raising $421 million.

FI Grad

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.

Gagan Biyani
/
Udemy (IPO, 2021)

Leadership

Our leadership team are proven startup experts who know how to walk you through the challenges of your early-stage startup.

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Bill Rivkin

Business Banking Corporate Payments VP @ Citizens
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Don Samoil

Chapter Leader @ FI Keystone

FI Philadelphia Mentors

Mentors are committed to your success! Schedule office hours, review their resources, and learbn from a roster of global startup mentors.

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Shaun Gold

Chief Evangelist @ OpenVC
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Karen Robinson

Pitch Deck & Data Room Advisor @ Karen Robinson Consulting
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Sara Ledterman

General Partner @ 3+ Ventures
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Arcui Usoara

Global Board Advisor and Brand Strategist, Founder @ Iaculus
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Ronda Siegel

Partner @ RSiegel Consulting LLC
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Laura Maiurano

CRO & Co-Founder @ Fivefoottwo Marketing

FI Partners

Get special deals and support worth over $3 million from top support organizations and partners.

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