Founder Institute Program: Focus, Structure & How to Get In

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Program Type

Pre-Seed Program

Headquarters

Palo Alto, California

Focus

Idea-Stage, Global Chapters

Overview

Founder Institute works earlier than almost any other programme, accepting people at the idea stage — often before they have quit their jobs.

It runs part-time in the evenings through local chapters, which makes it accessible in cities that have no other structured startup programme.

Program Structure

Part-time evening programme over several months
Chapters in a large number of cities worldwide
Structured curriculum with weekly assignments and drop-out points
Equity collected through a shared pool rather than a direct stake
Local mentors drawn from each city's business community

What They Look For

Individuals at the idea stage, including those still employed
Willingness to complete demanding weekly assignments
Any sector, with local chapter variation
Commitment to reaching incorporation and launch
Founders in cities without established startup infrastructure

Notable Portfolio

Companies they've backed.

Founder Institute graduates have started companies in a very wide range of cities and sectors, with its value concentrated in markets lacking other early-stage support.

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