The 15-Week Startup Accelerator for First-Time Founders
A guided, equity-free program designed to help you validate your idea, build traction, and confidently launch your company.
Fully VirtualProgram Dates
Early Deadline
Dec 14, 2025
Why Enroll in the Startup425 program?
The only regional accelerator that blends local support with global reach and long-term founder success.
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Lifetime Support from Seasoned Leaders
- The Startup425 mentor community is comprised of successful entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, and investors who are there to support your company throughout its entire lifecycle.
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Local Support, Global Exposure
- As a region-specific program, Startup425 connects you with area experts, events, and resources. Thanks to our partnership with FI, you also gain access to opportunities at large startup events like the Founder Showcase, Investor Roundtable, or FounderX to get global reach to amplify your business and generate a following.
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Receive Personalized Help from a Local Team
- The Startup425 program is supported and operated through a partnership of 6 cities who are invested in your business’s success. We’re directly connected with resources throughout the region that can help you through any specific business challenges as you grow the company.
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Dual-Track Structure for both Venture Scale and Traditional Business
- The S425 Accelerator includes two tracks designed to support both founders planning to raise venture capital, and those pursuing traditional business models funded by debt, bootstrapping, or other financing methods
Who Should Apply?
The Startup425 Accelerator is designed for new and early-stage founders who want structured support, accountability, and expert guidance to turn an idea into a real business
- A first-time small business entrepreneur - You’re starting your first company (restaurant, retail, services, online business, etc.) and want guidance on planning, launching, and growing sustainably.
- An early-stage founder preparing to raise capital - You’ve started building or launched already, and now you want support to sharpen your model, build traction, and get ready for your first round of funding
- Building either a tech startup or a traditional business -Whether you’re aiming for a high-growth, venture-scale company or a “main street” small business, the dual-track structure supports both paths.
- Living in or building your business in a Startup425 partner city - The accelerator is free for entrepreneurs who live in or are building in Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, or Renton, making high-quality support accessible to local founders
Apply Now
Submit an application for the upcoming program
Program Mentors
Meet the mentors that will help you build your startup in the program.
Session Calendar
Below are the dates for the upcoming program
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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 BiyaniUdemy (IPO, 2021) -
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.
Emilie VanpoperingheOddbox (£20M in funding) -
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.
Renato PaquetPolen (top 10 in Open Startups Ranking)
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.
Powered by the Founder Institute
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.
8,100+
Portfolio Companies
1.9BN+
Portfolio Company Funding
200+
Chapter Cities
100+
Chapter Countries
6
Continents
35,000+
Global Mentors & Advisors
Delivered via World Class Tools
Participants get access to the Founder Institute's 'FounderGen Platform' - the world's leading LMS for startup creation.
- Experiential learning and structured, action-oriented sprints
- Embedded videos, templates, and resources to help with every step of the business-building process
- State of the art AI tools to help students augment their capabilities and speed up progress
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Startup425 Accelerator is a 15-week, equity-free program designed to help first-time and early-stage founders validate ideas, gain traction, and launch or grow a sustainable business.
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The program is ideal for new entrepreneurs, early-stage founders, and individuals with a business or startup idea who want structured guidance, mentorship, and local support. Both traditional small businesses and venture-scale startups are welcome.
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No. You can apply with just an idea. The program will help you validate, refine, and test it to determine your best path forward.
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Yes. Startup425 is funded by a coalition of local cities and partners, meaning founders pay no fees and give up no equity to participate.
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Expect weekly sessions, milestone-driven assignments, and optional mentor meetings. Most founders spend 5–8 hours per week depending on their goals.
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You can choose between. (1) Venture Track: For founders building scalable, high-growth companies. (2) Traditional Business Track: For entrepreneurs launching small businesses funded by revenue, debt, or bootstrapping
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Absolutely. Many founders join with an early product, early revenue, or an existing company and use the program to accelerate growth or prepare for fundraising.
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The program prioritizes founders who live or operate in Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, and Renton, but others may be considered depending on availability.
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Founders receive guidance on funding strategies, pitch preparation, and access to opportunities through events like Founder Showcase, Investor Roundtables, and more.
Apply Now
Complete your Application Today
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The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 8,600 entrepreneurs raise over 1.9BN 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.
