5-Minute Investor Update Template

The Founder Institute focuses on technology and technology-enabled businesses, including hardware and traditional businesses like food, ecommerce, and brick and mortar, as long as they can scale through technology. Non-scalable service-based companies like consultancies and agencies are typically not accepted.

Techstars and Y Combinator work with companies that already have a team, live product, and some traction, providing operating capital or seed investments. The Founder Institute works with entrepreneurs earlier in their process, offering a structured program, expert mentorship, and a global network to help them reach traction and funding.

The Founder Institute requires a minimum of 20 hours of work per week on average. This includes joining each two-hour weekly session, completing networking hours, and finishing 10-15 hours of sprint work before the next session, along with a team meeting. Additional work on prototypes or business aspects can increase the time commitment.

Yes, the Entrance Fee is refundable before the third session of the program (November 5, 2026 for the Paris - Austria Fall 2026 program), allowing participants to evaluate if the program is right for them. Refunds are processed within 30 days after the 'Revenue & Business Models' session.

Yes, the Founder Institute has partnered with Partial.ly to offer flexible payment plans. You can choose your down payment amount and make monthly payments, though a 5% service fee applies. Interested founders should reply to emails from the Founder Institute for more details.

Yes, the Founder Institute encourages founding teams to apply. A typical cohort includes about 40% teams and 60% solo-founders. Teams can enroll with discounted Entrance Fees: 1.5x for 2-3 members and 2x for 4-5 members. Each co-founder must apply separately, and their applications are evaluated independently.

On average, about 30% of founders are able to complete the program. Completion requires joining Feedback Sessions, completing Growth Sprints satisfactorily, and receiving satisfactory ratings from Mentors. The program is designed to be challenging, reflecting the difficulty of building a meaningful company.

Yes, joining the sessions is mandatory. However, exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis for emergencies, illness, or pre-planned travel that may prevent attending one or two sessions. Founders should communicate any schedule conflicts as early as possible to their Local Leaders. Key sessions like Orientation, Mentor Idea Review, and Mentor Progress Review should never be missed.