Description

• The Founder Institute focuses on the earliest stages of startup creation — idea, validation, and early pre-seed business build. Programs are tailored for founders before they are ready for traditional seed accelerators or institutional funding. 
  
  
• It prepares companies toward traction, team formation, and investment readiness rather than primarily providing direct funding. 
  
  

• After the core program, alumni often access advanced post-program accelerators (e.g., Funding Lab) and investor introductions through the FI Venture Network, which supports subsequent fundraising. 
  
  

• Founder Institute does not typically provide direct capital checks as part of standard participation. Its primary value is structured support, mentorship, and community. 
  
  
• Some participants (per anecdotal reports) may face equity warrants (e.g., ~2.5% of the company) as part of the Equity Collective mechanism, but terms vary and are not universally standardized across all regions and cohorts. 
  
  

• The program uses an Equity Collective model in many chapters where founders sign warrants or equity agreements to share success across the network. Participation in this equity mechanism usually occurs later in the program and is not required to begin the core curriculum. 
  
  
• Warrant or equity participation differs from traditional VC checks: it aligns incentives with mentors and alumni rather than serving as a primary investment vehicle. 
  
  

• The Entrance Agreement is the only agreement required to enter the program; warrants/equity agreements are presented later, typically when founders have a legal corporate structure in place. 
  
  
• If choosing to participate in the Equity Collective, founders issue warrants or equivalent equity vehicles consistent with local legal requirements. 
  
  
• The equity approach (when used) is designed to reward network success long-term rather than serve as a typical VC equity arrangement. 
  
  

• Founders apply to the FI Core program online — applications include basic startup details and participation intent. 
  
  
• Some chapters require a predictive admissions test that assesses entrepreneurial readiness; there is often a small administration fee unless waived through an info session. 
  
  

• Accepted founders enroll in weekly structured sprints, feedback sessions, working groups, and mentor meetings over ~14 weeks. 
  
  

Eligibility

• Broadly tech and tech-enabled startups (software, marketplaces, deep tech, SaaS, health tech, etc.) — open to founders of many business types, excluding service businesses that aren’t equity-oriented. 
  
  

• Pre-seed / pre-funding stage:
  
  
  • Founders with ideas or minimal traction
    
    
  • Companies < $500K revenue (as guideline)
    
    
  • Pre-incorporation or early MVP stage 
    
    

• Solo founders or small teams
  
  
• Aspiring entrepreneurs (including founders still employed full-time) 
  
  

• Global — local chapters in over 100 countries with program delivery in regional markets.
  
  

Process

What an Applicant can Obtain