Applications to the first ever Founder Institute Ethiopia are now open, and anyone interested in building a technology company can apply
Now, more than ever, the world needs entrepreneurs to build the future.
As a result, the Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator, is excited to announce that it is officially launching its newest chapter in Addis Ababa. While the Silicon-Valley based program has chapters in over 185 cities worldwide, early-stage entrepreneurs in Ethiopia can finally now take advantage of the Founder Institute’s renowned structure, mentor support, and network to build an enduring company.
Applications to the first ever Ethiopia Founder Institute are now open, and anyone interested in building a technology company can apply at FI.co/apply/addis_ababa.
Local COVID-19 Update: In an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus and ensure everyone’s health and safety, this program is planned to be held online. Learn more on our Virtual Program FAQ page.
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).
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in Addis Ababa, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs and hear more about the program from the comfort of your home:
- Online Demo Day: Learn about Startups Growing Quickly during COVID-19 2020-07-16, 08:00 PM
- A Model to Answer all Startup Growth Questions, with Phil Libin 2020-07-21, 08:30 PM
- AMA with Founder Institute Silicon Valley HQ Team (Live Online Event) 2020-07-29, 07:00 PM
- Startup Funding in Addis Ababa: How to Raise Money for Your Business (Online Event) 2020-08-13, 05:30 PM
- See all upcoming events
The experts that have been critical in bringing the Founder Institute to Addis Ababa include local startup leaders Abrhame Endrias, Helawi Sewnet Beshah, Tsehaye Gebrehiwot, Wondwossen Mebrat (Nathan Associates London).
“Opportunities are flourishing in Addis Ababa. There’s now 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!”
In addition, many of the region’s top founders, CEOs, advisors, and investors have signed on to mentor new entrepreneurs in the Addis Ababa Virtual 2020 Founder Institute program, including:
- Abrhame Endrias: CEO, Green Agro Solution Plc.
- Amadou Daffe: CEO, Gebeya Inc.
- Amsalu Alemayehu: CEO, Wasasa Microfinance
- Bekure Tamirat: Regional Director – East Africa at Gebeya Inc.
- Belayneh Begna: Project Manager, Technoserve
- Bereket Gezahegn
- Bethlehem Tsegaye: Investment Manager, NovaStar
- Biruk Hailu
- Bitania Amare: Co-founder, WeDeliver
- Bruck Sewnet: CTO, Co-founder, InfinEth Solutions Plc.
- Dagmawit Shiferaw: Project Manager II, RENEW Strategies
- Daniel Gad: CEO, Omega Farm
- Dawit Abraham: CEO, Qene Technologies
- Gemechu Waktola: Founder & CEO, The i-Capital Africa Institute
- Hiruy Amanuel: Co-founder, Gebeya Inc.
- Jonathan Samuel
- Kassahun Gumataw: Co-founder, Mizan Consultancy
- Kidist Getachew: Business Development Partner, InLABS Business
- Markos Lemma: CEO & Co-founder, ICE ADDIS
- Mearg Tesfaye
- Michael Addisu: Project Manager, Nisir Microfinance
- Michael Fassil: Managing Director, Join Gate General Trading LLC
- Misrak Molla: CEO, GoldG Telecom Plc.
- Mukemil Bedru: Board Directors, Hijra Bank S.C.
- Nega Wubeneh: Country Manager, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
- Nurhassen Mensur: Co-founder, Business Development & Communications Director, YenePay Financial Technologies.
- Robel Minasse: Managing Partner, Africa Venture Partners
- Samrawit Fikru: CEO & Founder, RIDE
- Selam Ayele Kebede: Director, Antler
- Senai Wolderufael: CEO, Feed Green Ethiopia Exports
- Tamirat Teshome: Co-founder, Mella Communication Technologies Plc.
- Tigist Getachew Araya: Managing Partner, East Africa Gate (EAGate)
- Yetnayet Assefa: CEO, InfinEth Solutions Plc.
- Yilkal Abate: Country Manager, Afmobi Group
- Yoadan Tilahun: Managing Director, Flawless Events
- Yonas Moges: Managing Partner, Calibra Hospitality Management & Consultancy
- Yonas Engida: Co-founder, BI Dynamics Technologies Plc.
- And many more to be announced.
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.
Join Founder Institute Ethiopia in Addis Ababa and help build the future.
Apply to the Addis Ababa Virtual 2020 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
Source: FI