Description

• FoundersBoost is a pre-accelerator — focused on very early-stage startups, typically those at pre-seed and early seed stages that need help refining their business fundamentals and preparing for accelerator admission or early investment. 
  
  
• Programs typically run as a six-week, part-time curriculum with weekly sessions covering core startup skills, founder readiness, and strategic growth topics. 
  
  

• FoundersBoost does not take equity or charge participation fees as part of its core pre-accelerator program. 
  
  
• The program is supported by local sponsors and volunteer leaders, allowing founders to participate without upfront financial or equity cost. 
  
  

• While the core program itself doesn’t involve direct capital, some alumni may opt-in to investment opportunities via a partnered FoundersBoost Fund after the program. Such investments are not automatic, are not tied to equity for participation, and often range in the $25K–$75K range for select companies. 
  
  

• Core Accelerator: No equity taken for participation in the six-week program. 
  
  
• Optional Investment: If a founder later chooses to accept funding from the partnered FoundersBoost Fund, the equity terms are negotiated separately and not dictated by the accelerator itself. 
  
  

• Founders apply to specific city/region chapters or global cohorts via the FoundersBoost website during open application windows. Programs typically involve a competitive selection based on team, traction, and potential fit. 
  
  

• The program integrates weekly sessions hosted by local volunteer leaders, mentors, and ecosystem partners; includes one-on-one mentor time, workshops, and optionally culminates in a Demo Day or Global Investor Showcase. 
  
  

Eligibility

• Broad technology-oriented startups — Software/IT, SaaS, AI/Data, Web3, digital platforms, consumer tech, and more — focused on early traction. 
  
  

• Best suited for pre-seed and early seed stage companies with at least some early product or traction efforts but not yet institutional investors or growth rounds. 
  
  

• Global — programs run in North America, Europe, Africa, and beyond, often with regional cohorts. 
  
  

• Early-stage founders committed to iterative learning, network building, and improving readiness for accelerators and investors. Underserved and diverse founders are represented strongly in the program (over 80% underrepresented founders historically). 
  
  

Process

What an Applicant can Obtain

• Mentorship & Curriculum: Weekly expert-led sessions on customer development, product strategy, pitch preparation, go-to-market, and investor readiness. 
  
  
• One-on-One Coaching: Personalized support from experienced mentors and startup operators. 
  
  
• Global Network Access: Connections to investors, startup peers, ecosystem partners, and alumni. 
  
  
• Demo Days / Investor Showcases: Opportunities to pitch to a broader audience and showcase your startup’s progress. 
  
  
• Perks & Resources: Startup tools, software credits, and partner resources (often collectively valued at $200K+). 
  
  
• Investor Exposure: Optional post-program investment consideration from the partnered FoundersBoost Fund (separate offers, not guaranteed). 
  
  

• FoundersBoost alumni have collectively raised hundreds of millions in follow-on funding and gained entry into top-tier accelerators like Y Combinator and Techstars.