Since 2009, our flagship program has combined structured sprints, powerful tools, and constant expert feedback to help idea-stage founders go from zero to funded — faster and cheaper than ever before.
Our purpose-built AI startup agents help you build a fundable business faster and cheaper. No theoretical 'homework' here.
Weekly Feedback Sessions, Office Hours, and Working Groups to ensure that you move quickly, smartly, and with conviction.
You don't have to do it alone! Immediately get a team of mentors and experts that are literally invested in your success.
FI is the only global program laser-focused on the hardest part of the startup journey - the start.
Whether you are a solo founder, first-time founder, experienced professional making the leap from employee to entrepreneur, or a small team at the very earliest stages - we are here to help you get from zero to funded.
Since different founders have different needs, the 4-month Core Program is split into three tracks with unique milestones and sprints. Founders also get AI agents and sprints specifically designed to address their unique business challenges.
The bar for graduating varies by individual, business, and stage. Some founders raise funding in the program, but at the very least you can expect to leave the program with the following:
Over 75 Core Programs are accepting applications worldwide, including the Silicon Valley program.
The Founder Institute's global scale and number of successful Alumni is truly unprecedented. Hear from founders who went from zero to funded with FI.
Alongside other like-minded entrepreneurs — and a full suite of AI startup agents — you will build your business in a structured, proven process.
Our AI-native process removes uncertainty and helps you focus on the right things in a sequential fashion.
Sign up for an upcoming info session to learn more and chat with our team. There are several sessions per week across most time zones.
Build your startup alongside mentors that have built, led, or invested in high-growth companies — and who are literally invested in your success through the Equity Collective.
When incentives are aligned, great things happen. That's why we developed a groundbreaking "Equity Collective" to establish a large network of experts that are invested in your success for the long haul. When you succeed, everyone succeeds.
After FI Core, we are here to help at every stage of your startup journey, for the entire lifecycle of your business.
Alumni immediately join the world's largest network of mentors and advisors (40,000+), and get access to powerful tools, private events, and partner discounts totaling $2.5M+ in value.
After completing FI Core, Alumni get exclusive access to additional advanced accelerator and advisory programs to guide them toward their next major business milestones.
Our global VC fund, Founder Capital, writes first checks to the most promising founders from FI — giving them hands-on support to go from zero to funded.
FI is hard, because building a great business is much, much harder. Our Admissions Process is designed to accept only high-potential entrepreneurs, and then less than 40% of accepted founders are able to graduate.
To complete the program, you must:
AI has rewritten the rules of company building, and the window for new founders has never been wider. The Founder Institute is built for exactly this moment — giving you the AI tools, methodology, and network to go from zero to founder. Apply to FI Core today.
It all starts with our Core FI Program. Apply to the Silicon Valley program here, or check FI.co/enrolling for other options.
There is a one-time Entrance Fee to start the FI Core Program. This fee is 100% refundable before the 'Revenue & Business Models' session (Oct 01, 2026) so you can make an educated decision on whether or not FI is right for you. According to geolocation we think you are in the Silicon Valley region, which has an Entrance Fee of $799 USD by Apr 26, 2026 ($1199 USD after Apr 26, 2026).
When incentives are aligned, great things happen. That is why FI developed a groundbreaking 'Equity Collective' where your program Leaders, Mentors, and FI HQ are vested in the success of your business - for the long term.
Learn more about the Equity Collective at FI.co/equity.
Our agreements have always been public and freely available at FI.co/agreements.
Yes! Please attend an upcoming Info Session to hear an overview of our programs and chat with our team.
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 8,900 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.