Turn Your Nordic Dream into a Global Reality: Build your Startup Idea at the World's Largest Pre-Seed Accelerator

Founding a startup is a thrilling adventure, but it can also be a challenging one.

Founder Institute exists to bridge the gap between inspiration and realization, helping early-stage startup founders navigate the uncertainties and emerge as resilient and successful entrepreneurs.

Empowering Global Innovators, Nordic Style

Here in the Nordics, innovation runs deep in our veins. Our region has long been a hotbed of creativity, curiosity, and technological advancement. We're renowned for our inherent openness and sharing spirit, which fosters a collaborative ecosystem that nurtures startups to thrive. Being a world leader in impact, the Nordics offer the perfect grounds for turning visionary ideas into successful global businesses.

Founder Institute: The Global Catalyst for Startups

At the Founder Institute, we live and breathe startups. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have been the driving force behind over 6,800+ entrepreneurs raising $1.75 billion in funding. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower communities of talented and motivated individuals worldwide to build impactful technology companies. With chapters across 100+ countries, Founder Institute's global network of mentors and investors comprises over 35,000 inspiring and helpful experts. Our estimated portfolio value stands at $30 billion.

A Personal Journey: Guiding Nordic Entrepreneurs to Success

Having coached 2,000+ Founders, CEOs and Leadership Teams in the Nordics directly and helped 10,000+ indirectly through my various startup community initiatives and meetups over the past few years, I've witnessed the immense potential and talent this region harbors. My experience has taught me that the most critical elements for early-stage startups are structure, network, and speed - all of which Founder Institute Nordics provides.

Here’s what to expect at the Founder Institute Nordics

Before the program I was in the typical startup fog struggling to get up to speed and to focus on the right things. With FI, it got so much clearer, which made it so much easier. One of the most important parts have been the mentorship from the world’s most experienced mentors, and the working groups, which were highly effective. I would do it all again without a doubt. — Erika Johansson (Founder, Nordics Fall 2022 Program).

Hands-On Company Building: Our global curriculum ensures that founders work diligently on every aspect of startup development. We follow a weekly sprint structure, diving deep into critical areas like Mission & Vision, Go To Market & Scale, Product Development, Legal & IP, and more. Founders actively engage on our portal, guided through these sprints, taking their ideas from concept to implementation.

Relentless Pitching: We believe that pitching is an entrepreneur's superpower. Throughout the program, we encourage founders to pitch regularly, eliminating fears and cultivating confidence. Pitching becomes a natural part of their journey, enabling them to tell their stories in simple yet inspiring ways.

Peer-Support: Startups are divided into smaller working groups, promoting close collaboration, mutual support, and joint problem-solving. Together, we tackle the challenges of startup building, making the journey less daunting and more enjoyable.

Access to Mentors: Every week, we connect founders with mentors from around the Nordics and the world. These seasoned experts provide invaluable feedback on pitches, share their stories, experiences, and offer practical advice on navigating the startup landscape. These mentor sessions align with our sprint topics, creating a seamless learning experience.

Local and Global: As the Regional Director Nordics, I'm personally invested in your success. I'm here to discuss your challenges, offer guidance, and support your journey. So are your local Mentors. On a global scale, Founder Institute opens doors to the world's largest accelerator community, expanding your network and opportunities exponentially. All this is possible through the equity collective model that's unique to the Founder Institute.

If you're a visionary startup founder in the Nordics, now is the time to build. Apply here to our Nordic Fall 2023 program.

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Naimul Abd is the Regional Director Nordics for the Founder Institute. As one of the most active ecosystem builders in the region, he is also Regional Director Nordics for world's biggest startup community (Startup Grind) and Regional Director Nordics for the world's biggest pitching community (Founders Live). He is on a mission accelerate the Nordic ecosystem as the Founder of Nutty Ventures and is building world's largest brand-enabled impact ecosystem as the Founder of Brim. He helps CEOs / Founders / Leadership Teams from around the world unlock their superpowers through his personal success blueprint Parallel Momentum.