The Founder Institute, the world’s largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program, is launching its first chapter in London.
The Silicon Valley based program has been looking to come to the capital for some time but decided to bring its launch forward following a successful trial period in January.
Demand for the program was so strong that the test period had to be shortened by 10 days.
To celebrate the launch LFI will host a series of free startup events for the general public, including an Information Session on Tuesday February 17 at the London Google Campus.
Expert mentorship
Adeo Ressi, founder and CEO of the Founder Institute, said feedback from local directors and prospective applicants had revealed a lack of expert mentorship options in the capital.
He said:
“Expert mentorship is sorely needed for idea-stage entrepreneurs in London. In Silicon Valley, we call this mentorship the ‘pay-it-forward’ mentality.
“With the Founder Institute’s structured program, we plan to emulate this dynamic in London and lower the barrier to entry for new entrepreneurs”
Learning by doing
The Institute offers a four-month program which allows promising entrepreneurs to “learn by doing” and launch a company with structured training, expert feedback, and support from experienced startup CEOs.
Since the program is part-time it is accessible to full-time professionals to test and build their ideas before making “the leap” from employee to entrepreneur and quitting their jobs
Darrell Knight, a serial entrepreneur who is on his fifth startup and a co-director of the London Founder Institute, said:
“There is a large gap in quality mentorship for idea-stage entrepreneurs in London, and the Founder Institute will fill this gap.
“The support we have received from the community has been tremendous, because people understand that bringing some ‘Silicon Valley’ to the ‘Silicon Roundabout’ will be very powerful.”