Founder Institute, a global pre-seed startup accelerator, has officially launched its newest chapter in Nairobi in a move that will see early-stage entrepreneurs in Nairobi take advantage of its renowned structure, mentor support, and network to build an enduring company.
Founder Institute, which has operations in Egypt, Accra and Lagos already, said applications to its first-ever Nairobi Founder Institute are open to anyone interested in building a technology company at FI.co/apply/Nairobi. The program will be held virtually.
Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in Nairobi, to help interested applicants learn from top entrepreneurs and hear more about the program.
The Founder Institute provides high-potential entrepreneurs and teams with the support network and structured growth process needed to get to traction and funding, and build something that matters.
Since 2009, the Founder Institute has helped over 4,300 Alumni raise over $950M funding, get into seed-accelerators, generate traction, recruit a team, build a product, transition from employee to entrepreneur, and more (see the FI 10 Year Impact Report here).
According to the Founder Institute, opportunities are now flourishing in Nairobi and throughout Kenya. There’s a great ecosystem for entrepreneurs – from crowdfunding platforms to co-working spaces. The Founder Institute can increase an aspiring technology entrepreneur’s chance of success by providing the necessary skills and mindset – and a link to the Silicon Valley!
The Institute will bring together many of the region’s top founders, CEOs, advisors, and investors to mentor new entrepreneurs in the Nairobi Virtual 2020 Founder Institute program. Some of the mentors include:
- Aaron Fu: Former Managing Partner, Africa, Nest.
- Adeo Ressi: Founder/CEO, Founder institute
- Agnes Muthoni: Advisor, Presidential Digital Talent Program
- Andreata Muforo: Partner, TLCom Capital
- Andrew Ranja: Principal , Ranja & Company Advocates
- Arielle Sandor: CEO, Duma Works
- Bitange Ndemo: Associate Professor, University of Nairobi
- Danielle Anderson: Founder, Step and Stone Consultancy
- Danson Muchemi: CEO, JamboPay
- Darshan Chandaria: CEO, Chandaria Industries Ltd.
- Derrick Muturi: Founder & CEO, RabbitIQ
- Edwin Alum: CEO, Mula Exports
- Hilda Moraa: CEO, Weza Tele
- James Mworia: CEO, Empire Microsystems Ltd
- Jerry Crossan: Co-Founder, Lelapa Fund
- John Kimani: Developer Ecosystem, Google
- Johnni Kjelsgaard: CEO & Founder, GrowthAfrica
- Judith Owigar: Founder and CEO, Jua Cali
- Kanyi Ohawa: Director, All and Sundry Ltd
- Ken Oloo: Founder, Filamujuani
- Linus Wahome: CO Founder, ManPro
- Mbabu Muturi: Founder, Pure Gaming Ltd.
- Munyutu Waigi: Co-founder, Umati Capital Ltd.
- Nathan Masyuko: Founder, The Game
- Patricia Jumi: Managing Director, GrowthAfrica
- Peris Bosire: Founder, FarmDrive
- Pratap Kumar: CEO, E-net
- Reema Doshi: Founder, Ardy Marketing
- Rose Nzyoka: Chief Of Party, Palladium
- Sylvance Sange: Ag. Managing Director, Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI)
- Tesh Mbaabu: Founder, Mesozi Group.
The Founder Institute is designed for founders and teams all throughout the pre-seed stage, including aspiring founders with a full-time job, solo founders, teams, and founders of established companies that are pre-funding. The organization’s mission is to “Globalize Silicon Valley” and build sustainable startup ecosystems that will create one million new jobs worldwide.
