Founder Institute

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 the business can scale through technology. Non-scalable service-based companies, such as consultancies and agencies, are typically not accepted.

Techstars and Y Combinator typically work with companies that already have a team, live product, and some traction, providing them with operating capital or a small seed investment. The Founder Institute works with entrepreneurs before this stage, offering a structured process, 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 additional networking hours, and finishing 10-15 hours of sprint work before the next session. If you are also working on a prototype or other business aspects, the time commitment can be significantly higher.

Yes, the Entrance Fee is refundable before the third session of the program (Nov 05, 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 options. You can choose your down payment amount and make monthly payments, though there is a 5% service fee. Interested founders should reply to emails from the Founder Institute to set up a payment plan.

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 acceptance is evaluated individually. Non-participating co-founders can still engage in assignments and perks post-program.

On average, about 30% of founders are able to complete the program. Completion requires joining all 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 can be made for emergencies, illness, or pre-planned travel, provided conflicts are communicated early to Local Leaders. Key sessions like Orientation, Mentor Idea Review, and Mentor Progress Review should never be missed.