We've received an overwhelming response to this event! We're already planning our next event - join the waitlist to receive priority notification to it! You can also subscribe to our calendar. Details to be shared soon.

---------------------------------
About This Event

Seattle's startup energy is back.

The Founder Institute — the world's largest pre-seed accelerator — is returning to Seattle after a few quiet years. This isn't a comeback. It's an evolution.

Join us for the official launch as we open early registration for our March 2026 cohort and introduce the ecosystem leaders making it happen.

Whether you're sitting on an idea, actively building, or want to understand what resources exist for founders in Seattle — this is where you plug in.

What to Expect

Two Panels. Real Talk. Tactical Resources.

Panel 1: Building in Seattle (4:15 PM)
What founders actually need to go from 0→1.

Panel 2: Scaling & Leverage (5:15 PM)
How Seattle's platforms help you go from traction to scale.

Between panels: Network with the people who can solve your biggest problems right now.

Who You'll Meet

Your Panel Speakers:

Boaz Ashkenazy – Co-founder of Augmented AI Labs, CEO Clause. Host @ ShiftAI.fm | Board of Trustees, Seattle Chamber of Commerce

Sarah Studer – UW Buerk Center
She's helped thousands of founders navigate university resources, competitions, and early validation.

Evan Poncelet – Venture Black / Dreamward Group
Reshaping how underrepresented founders access capital and community.

Brooks Lindsay – Light Legal
Founder-turned-attorney. Knows what legal infrastructure startups actually need.

Jacob Colker – AI2 Incubator
Has launched 40+ AI companies, raising $500M+ and creating $2B+ in value.

Earl Valencia– Microsoft AI + Cloud
Opens doors at Microsoft most founders don't know exist.

Nick Hughes – Founders Live
Created the global pitch platform in 140+ cities where founders get visible and build momentum.

Louis Newkirk – Moderator (Venture Black, Founders Live)
Go-to-market strategist who keeps it real and keeps it moving.

Why Founder Institute?

8,000+ companies launched. 200+ cities. $1.9B+ raised.

More importantly: We offer access to our venture network of 6k+ investors. We don't make you relocate. We don't force you into a box.

We help you build what you actually want to build — and we connect you to a global network that lasts beyond the program.

Our March 2026 cohort opens December 14. Tonight, you meet the ecosystem that makes it work.

Who Should Come

✅ Founders with ideas, prototypes, or early traction
✅ Ecosystem partners who want to support early-stage companies
✅ Students & technologists exploring entrepreneurship
✅ Mentors & investors who believe Seattle's next wave is starting now

Doors open at 3:45 PM. Panels start at 4:15 sharp.

We’re launching a Founder Sponsorship Fund to help early founders join our March FI cohort.
Small contributions from partners, investors, and community members will be allocated as scholarships to founders who show promise, grit, and readiness — but need a financial lift to participate.

If you want to help local founders build what’s next, this is a meaningful place to start.

[Full - join waitlist for priority invites to the next one!] Founder Institute Seattle Open House Ignite the Next Wave of Builders