Founder Institute

General 21

• Founder Institute Methodology
• Does the Founder Institute only accept tech companies?
• How is the Founder Institute different from Techstars and Y Combinator?
• Is the Founder Institute a pre-accelerator?
• What is the schedule for the upcoming program?

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Common Questions 12

• Can the Founder Institute help me get my visa? Does the FI help with housing?
• Can I speak to someone in person?
• Are you hiring? How do I apply to work for the Founder Institute?
• Am I a fit for The Founder Institute even though I'm non-technical?
• Why should I apply for the Founders Institute Program?

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Core Program 8

• What is a typical Feedback Session like?
• Can I find a co-founder in the program?
• Do founders need to quit their day job?
• What is the Founder Institute’s graduation rate?
• If I drop out of the program or get dropped after the refund deadline, can I return to the next program for free? Can I join a different location?

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Applications 22

• How do I apply to the program?
• How does the application process work?
• What is the Founder Institute's Admissions Assessment?
• How do co-founders or teams apply to the Founder Institute?
• What are the application deadlines for the program?

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Ideas 4

• Can I submit more than one idea?
• How does the program’s ideation phase work?
• Could other participants have similar ideas to mine?
• How is our intellectual property protected during the Program? Will somebody steal my idea?

Teams & Co-Founders 6

• Is the Founder Institute only for individuals, or can Teams or Multiple Co-Founders Enroll?
• How do we pay as a team?
• Can full teams be dropped from the program?
• How do co-founders or teams apply to the Founder Institute?
• I have a co-founder. Do we all need to apply? Do we all need to be accepted, and do we all need to pay?

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Program Cost & Payment 13

• Why is there an application fee? What does it cover?
• What does the Program Fee cover?
• How can I pay my program fees?
• Can I pay the program fee in installments?
• What is the Program Fee Refund Policy?

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Mentors 13

• How does the Founder Institute select Mentors?
• How do founders get paired with mentors?
• I would like to mentor for the Founder Institute. How can I apply?
• How involved are the Mentors in the program?
• Who is the best Mentor?

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Attendance 5

• Do I need to attend every session?
• Can I participate in the program remotely?
• How many sessions am I allowed to miss throughout the program?
• Can I attend sessions in one location and then move to another city while in the program?
• Are the working group sessions typically in person or virtual?

Legal, Founder Agreement, Warrant, & Incorporation 41

• Where can I find the Founder Agreement?
• What is the Equity Collective?
• Will the Founder Institute help me incorporate?
• How does FI’s equity allocation work?
• Do I need to be working with a law firm now?

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Investment 7

• Can I apply if I am not planning to raise money?
• Can I apply if I am already fundraising?
• How will founders interact with investors?
• Are investors turned off by the Class F stock and Equity Collective?
• How much money should participating founders plan on raising?

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Program Sessions 5

• When do sessions take place and how long do they last?
• Are program sessions open to the public?
• Do you already have the program dates for the following cohort? When is the next cohort?
• In what language are sessions taught? Are they taught in English?
• Are you holding an event, session, program, and/or cohort in my city?

Locations 9

• Where will the training sessions be located?
• I am visiting a city where the Founder Institute operates. Can I come see FI and get a tour?
• When is the next cohort in my city?
• Why isn't FI in my city? How do I bring the Founder Institute to my city?
• Is there an office that I can visit to ask any questions?

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Enrollment & Graduation Requirements 7

• Do you only accept tech companies at Founder Institute?
• What is the time commitment required by a Founder?
• How does a Founder complete the program?
• If I am already accepted, what is the deadline for enrolling in the program?
• What documents / agreements do I need to upload to complete my enrollment? Am I required to upload the Warrant or Board Consent Form?

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Funding & Traction 2

• Does the program provide direct funding?
• What is Founder Lab?

Partnerships & Sponsorships 5

• I want to promote an article with the Founder Institute. Who should I speak with about a promotional partnership?
• How to I sponsor or partner with the Founder Institute? I would like to promote my services or company.
• I have an idea for partnership and would like to offer Founder Institute Startups a deal on my company's services.
• Do you help with legal, accounting, hosting, development, office space, or any other services?
• Who are the service provider partners for the Founder Institute?

Contact Information 3

• Do you have a phone number? Can I speak to someone in person?
• Can I have the email of the Local Leaders in my city?
• Is there an office that I can visit to ask any questions?

Lead a Chapter 2

• What do I have to do to bring FI to my city? I want to host / direct Founder Institute events.
• Can I have the email of the Local Leaders in my city?

Virtual Program FAQ (COVID-19) 11

• Will the entire program be virtual?
• Is a virtual program as good as an in-person program?
• Aren't economic downturns a bad time to start a company?
• But isn't it hard to raise money from investors in a recession?
• Will I still be able to connect with mentors and other founders?

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Legal & Incorporation 1

• I have more questions about the Warrant. Where can I find more information?

Costs & Payment 2

• Can I pay the program fee in installments?
• I was refunded a different amount than what I paid. Why?

Funding 1

• Does the program provide direct funding?

Fellowships & Scholarships 2

• Can I receive help, assistance, financial support, and/or a Fellowship for the program fee payment?
• How do I apply for a Scholarship / Fellowship in my city? How do I know if I am eligible for them?