Founder Institute SF

Program Type: Online
Location: Oakland, California
Equity Taken: 2.5%
Program Fee: $599 (Early Deadline), $999 (Final Deadline)
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Stage: Idea, Prototype, MVP, Early Stage, Pre-seed
Industry of Focus: Industry Agnostic

Key Highlights

Program Overview

The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, their structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,500 entrepreneurs raise over $1.85BN in funding. The SF Fall 2025 program will be run 100% online, with in-person networking opportunities in the future.

Investment Details

Participants must join the Equity Collective, contributing 2.5% equity in the form of a warrant.

Benefits Details and Perks/Credits

• Access to a lifetime of support programs and partners
• Special deals and support worth over $3 million from top support organizations and partners
• Free access to additional virtual advisory programs post-program
• Syndication to a diverse pool of investors through the FI Venture Network

Program Format

• Fully virtual program
• 14 weekly feedback sessions and office hours
• Structured sprints with weekly deliverables
• Post-program onboarding
• Virtual demo days

Location or Relocation Requirements

No relocation required; the program is fully virtual.

Cohort Size and Program Frequency

Between 20 and 50 founders typically enroll in a given cohort.

Requirements Related to Users, Revenue, or LOIs:
Participants must form a corporation that is investment-friendly (e.g., a Delaware C-Corp in the U.S.).

Post-Program Engagement

• Lifetime access to the world's largest network of mentors and advisors
• Private events, office hours, and partner discounts totaling $2.5M+ in value
• Access to Founder Lab and FI Venture Network

Company Types Requirements

The Founder Institute focuses on technology and technology-enabled businesses, including hardware and traditional businesses that can scale through technology.

Founding Team Preferences

The program encourages both solo founders and founding teams to apply. Teams can enroll for a discounted entrance fee per founder.