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Founder Institute Japan, Korea & Taiwan

Partner with FI to build the startup ecosystem and advocate entrepreneurship from Asia to the World.

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Erdinc Ekinci

Founder Institute Japan, Korea & Taiwan

Co-director

101-200

Japan

Venture Capital & Private Equity

Partnership Programs :

Individual Ecosystem Supporter Community Support Startup Solutions  Mentor Sponsor Government Corporate University

Target Location :

Asia

We’re building a stronger startup ecosystem in Asia with a global impact and seeking partners to make it happen. Corporates can mentor startups and provide market access, investors can fund promising early-stage ventures, and government and ecosystem leaders can co-develop initiatives. We also welcome strategic partners for research, innovation, and business development, as well as financial support to grow FI programs in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. In return, partners gain direct access to top founders, mentors, and investors, branding as key ecosystem players, tailored collaboration opportunities, and insights into startup trends. Even a like or collaboration helps—let’s shape the future of innovation together!

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Highlights
Partner Programs
Program Overview
Co-Invest
Co-Cause
Co-Develop
Co-Supply
Co-Marketing
Co-Sell

🤝 Who are We?

FI is the world’s largest earliest-stage startup accelerator dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into fundable startups. Since 2009, it has launched 8,000+ technology companies across 200+ cities, supported by a global network of 35,000 mentors. FI provides a structured, part-time program, making it accessible to professionals and students who want to explore entrepreneurship while managing other commitments. Its approach emphasizes expert mentorship, hands-on training, and global investor connections, helping its graduates raise over $2 billion in venture capital.

🌍 About Us

As the Japan chapter of Founder Institute, FI Japan, Korea & Taiwan follows the same mission, offering a 15-week, part-time program that runs after 6 PM. Admission is more accessible than other programs, but graduation is more demanding—around 70% do not complete the program, as incorporation is required to graduate. While Founder Institute does not invest initially, graduates grant a 2.5% equity warrant, enabling future investment and ensuring long-term alignment and ongoing founder support.

 

During the program, founders need to complete around 200 deliverables with aggressive weekly sprints, all of them directly related to validating, building traction, and getting funding for their startups. Sessions are online, and each session accommodates 3-4 mentors, totaling over 40 different mentors, coordinated by the directors, who are experienced entrepreneurs and sometimes investors themselves. FI Japan, Korea & Taiwan cohort collectively has over 200 mentors, generally half local nationals and half foreigner locals. Around 20% of these mentors are angel investors.

 

📸 Gallery Collection of FI Japan, Korea & Taiwan

🏆Highlights, Achievements & Milestones

  • 56+ Alumni companies
  • 4+ International cohorts
  • 150+ Mentors and advisors
  • 120+ Enrolled founders
  • 100 + Events
  • 4,000+ Attendees
  • 400+ Applicants

🌟Ways to Get Involved

 

🤝Individual Ecosystem Supporter

Support startups in a simple yet meaningful way. Engage with FI by liking, sharing, and amplifying startup success stories. Your public support, even once a month, helps strengthen the ecosystem and creates more opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide.

 

🌍 Community Support Partner

Become a Community Support Partner and help foster startup success while increasing your own presence in the ecosystem. Share about FI weekly to earn rewards, gain visibility, and connect with a global network of founders and innovators. The more you contribute, the greater the benefits.

 

🎓Mentor

Join FI’s global network of mentors and help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs. Share your expertise, guide founders, and expand your network with top startup leaders worldwide. Mentors also gain access to exclusive events like FounderX and Venture Trailblazers and can earn equity shares for their contributions.

 

🏆 Sponsor Partner

Align your brand with FI and connect with top startups, investors, and industry leaders. As a Sponsor Partner, you’ll gain exclusive visibility in the startup ecosystem while supporting the growth of high-potential ventures. Sponsorship also enhances corporate social responsibility by driving meaningful innovation and supporting the next wave of founders.

 

🏛️ Government Partner

Governments looking to accelerate innovation and economic growth can collaborate with FI to launch tailored startup programs. As a Government Partner, you’ll gain access to global investors, mentors, and experts while fostering job creation and empowering local entrepreneurs. Additionally, we help regional startups expand internationally through FI’s global pitch events and network.

 

🏢Corporate Partner

Stay ahead in today’s fast-changing business landscape by partnering with FI. We help corporations unlock intrapreneurship, foster a startup-driven culture, and scout high-potential startups to collaborate with. Our global network provides early access to breakthrough technologies and new customer segments, helping your organization drive meaningful innovation.

 

🎓University Partner

FI helps universities unlock the full potential of student and faculty entrepreneurs. Our programs identify top innovators through FI’s Entrepreneur DNA Assessment, provide faculty training on venture capital and acceleration, and launch turn-key startup programs. Partnering with FI helps universities attract top talent, boost their reputation as innovation hubs, and connect startups with global investors.

 

The Benefits You Will Gain from This Program

Depending on the program you choose to engage with, here are all the benefits you can gain by collaborating with us. Whether you're an individual supporter, a mentor, a corporate partner, or a government organization, there’s an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the startup ecosystem while gaining valuable rewards:

 

- Anyone can collaborate through simple actions like sharing content, supporting startup success stories, or engaging with the community.

- Gain visibility in the startup ecosystem while contributing to entrepreneurship advocacy.

- Expand your network by connecting with founders, investors, and industry leaders globally.

- Access exclusive events like FounderX and Venture Trailblazers to engage with top-tier startup players.

- Establish thought leadership by mentoring founders and influencing startup growth.

- Get early access to high-potential startups, breakthrough technologies, and emerging market opportunities.

- Earn equity rewards by mentoring and guiding promising startups.

- Co-develop tailored programs for government, corporate, and university partners to drive startup success.

- Support job creation and economic growth by empowering local startups with global connections.

- Future-proof your business by scouting, partnering with, and integrating cutting-edge startups.

- Position your brand at the heart of innovation through sponsorship and ecosystem influence.

🌟Partner with Us!

Join us in building a stronger startup ecosystem in Asia with a global impact. Support startups through mentorship, funding, market access, and co-developed initiatives. Gain direct access to top founders, investors, and industry leaders while positioning your brand at the heart of innovation.

Let’s collaborate and make a difference together!

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Free Get Paid

Individual Ecosystem Supporter

We are open for collaborations with individuals passionate about supporting startups to advocate entrepreneurship for the good and build a startup ecosystem that even idea-stage startups can be part of and flourish. Become an FI Individual Ecosystem Supporter and gain recognition, visibility, and deeper connections in the global startup ecosystem!
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Pay Get Paid

Startup Solutions Partner

We are open to collaborations with service providers, agencies, and individuals passionate about supporting startups to offer startup solutions that help founders build, scale, and secure funding in their early stages. Become an FI Startup Solutions Partner to get introduced to customers and partners, gain global recognition, gain access to a growing startup ecosystem, and engage in engagement opportunities with emerging founders!
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Free Get Paid

Community Support Partner

We are open to collaborations with companies and brands to support our joint cause of encouraging entrepreneurship for the good and building a startup ecosystem that even idea-stage startups can be part of. Become an FI Community Support Partner and get recognition, exclusive networking opportunities, and global visibility over a million audience!
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Get Paid

Mentor

We are open for collaborations with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to support founders through mentorship, and strategic guidance and advocate the FI’s mission to advocate entrepreneurship for the good and build a startup ecosystem that even idea-stage startups can be part of and flourish. Become an FI Mentor to grow your thought leadership, exclusive networking opportunities, and potential equity incentives!
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Pay

Sponsor Partner

We are open for strategic sponsorships with brands that share our mission to advocate entrepreneurship for the good and build a startup ecosystem that even idea-stage startups can be part of and flourish. Become an FI Sponsor Partner to support our startup programs, or custom programs, join marketing activities, and gain brand exposure, direct access to founders and investors, and deep ecosystem connections!
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Pay

Government Partner

We are open for collaborations with governments and public institutions to strengthen entrepreneurship, support startup accelerator programs, and drive innovation-led economic growth. Become an FI Government Partner to gain access to a global network of investors, recognition in innovation leadership, and opportunities to enhance regional competitiveness in the global startup landscape!
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Pay

Corporate Partner

We are open for collaborations with individuals passionate about supporting startups to champion entrepreneurship for the good and contribute to a thriving startup ecosystem that even idea-stage startups can be part of. Become an FI Corporate Partner to get official recognition, Intrapreneurship programs, increased visibility, and deeper connections in the global startup ecosystem!
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Pay

University Partner

We are open to collaboration with university partnerships with universities, business schools, entrepreneurship centers, and faculty members to support student entrepreneurs and foster innovation that even idea-stage startups can be part of. Become an FI University Partner to get recognition, exclusive access to startup mentorship from our vast experience of working with thousands of startups, and a stronger reputation as an innovation-driven university!
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Free Pay

Event Partner

We are open to collaborations with event organizers, industry leaders, and institutions in two ways: 1️⃣ Co-organize new events together where FI serves as a hosting partner. 2️⃣ Partner with existing events by bringing our expertise, audience, and promotional reach—where FI takes on a hosting role. Become an FI Event Partner to gain global visibility, enhanced reputation, and direct access to our engaged network of entrepreneurs, investors, and startup leaders!
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