Some of you might have seen this on the PSL list. I just wanted to bring it to this groups attention since the missions align well. Check out http://fi.co/e/2461...... for more info! If we can get some traction for FI in Philly, the program will formally launch during Philly Tech Week!

The Founder Institute (FI) (http://fi.co)......, is an international program for idea-stage entrepreneurs. It is focused on working professionals who have an idea they might want to build into a business. This part-time program is rigorous, even tougher because participants typically keep their "day" jobs. The education is delivered through founder mentors (all "been there, done that" types as opposed to service providers). 87% of FI graduates succeed – defined as turning their idea into a business and leave their jobs to work on it full-time and for at least a year after graduation. FI's success has allowed it to expand to nearly 40 cities worldwide - but not Philly - until now!

So that you can get to know the program, The Founder Institute is holding a free information session and Pitch Boot Camp on Thursday, February 21 at the offices of Seed Philly, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Learn more and sign up for this event at http://fi.co/e/2461...... Our guest speakers for the evening include Brett Topche, Managing Director of MentorTech Ventures and Mike Krupit, COO & Co-Founder, Real Food Works.

There will be another information session the following week (http://fi.co/e/2460.....) with guest speaker Gabe Weinberg of DuckDuckGo. Come to one event or both - we look forward to seeing you!

We know lots of you in PSL may be well past what this program offers. However, there are "lurkers" out there who have not yet taken the plunge, and many of you know people who may benefit from going through the FI program. We are VERY excited about this because it develops new entrepreneurs, grows our startup community, and feeds many of the other programs that exist here.

If you have any questions, please contact any one of the FI Philadelphia directors:

Herb Cohen at HCohen@ExecutiveLeadersRadio.com,
Mike Krupit at michael@krupit.com, or
Bob Solomon at rsolo@wisdomadvisors.com