Build a Fundable, Global Startup in Africa

The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses.

See other FI Chapters

Virtual

Program Dates

Apr 06, 2027 Aug 11, 2027

Early Deadline

Dec 15, 2026

Early Entrance Fee

$599 $799

The Core Experience

You don't have to do it alone. Alongside other like-minded entrepreneurs, you will build your business in a structured, proven process.

Critical Support Network

Join an Equity Collective of helpful startup mentors and founders that are invested in your success.

Get access to a lifetime of support programs and partners that far exceeds any comparable program.

Structured Methodology

Know what to work on, and when, with our proven business-building sprints and structured process.

Build a company with impact by leveraging the world's largest network of startup founders and mentors.

Challenging Process

Less than 40% of Founders make it through the program because we challenge you every step of the way.

Get fast-tracked to our Founders Lab program and Virtual Demo Days, giving you the best chance to get funding.

Learn more about FI core

Session Calendar

Below are the dates for the upcoming program

Onboarding

Mar 30, 2027

06:00pm SAST

Kickoff

Apr 06, 2027

06:00pm SAST

Vision

Apr 12, 2027

06:00pm SAST

View Full curriculum

Featured Grad

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.

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)

See more Grads

Events

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.

See more Events

Leadership

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

John Zabula

Founder @ Revisall

Keshni Morar

Managing Director @ FI South Africa + Investable

Lily Makaleng

Director @ The Founder Institute South Africa

Victoria Odimba

Founder/Lead Strategist @ Cellente

FI South Africa Mentors

Build a business efficiently through video meetings, office hours, and material reviews from a roster of top startup mentors.

Pommie Lutchman

Digital Executive (CIO/CTO/CDO) and Startup Mentor @ PommieLutchman.com

Johann Ungerer

Director @ 1099 Ventures, Infinite Loom

See all South Africa Mentors

FI Partners

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

Connect with us

Have any questions?

Visit our FAQ Page

Apply

or Apply with

Already Have an Account? Sign In

Apply to this Cohort

The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our AI-native company-building programs have helped over 9,000 entrepreneurs raise over 2BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.