What we’re about
Startup Founder 101 brings together aspiring and experienced tech entrepreneurs to discuss, meet, and collaborate to build great new startups, and to push the local startup ecosystem forward.\
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This group hosts numerous free events throughout the year where you can learn the best practices of starting a company from people who have been there and done that. You’ll have the opportunity to meet local founders and investors, exchange ideas with experts, get feedback on your idea, participate in startup workshops, and more.\
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Typical startup event topics include:\
• Coming up with a strong startup idea\
• Startup legal basics\
• How to pitch your startup\
• Starting a company without quitting your day job\
• How to raise funding for your startup\
• And much more!\
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Join the group to be invited to our next event!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- How to Successfully Grow Your Startup in the U.S.Link visible for attendees
Expanding into the U.S. is a bold step for growing startups—but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this session, experts unpack the essentials of company setup, compliance, and hiring, plus practical GTM strategies for landing your first U.S. customers. You'll learn how to localize pricing, navigate investor expectations, and design a 90-day growth roadmap that balances speed with sustainability. Whether you're B2B or consumer, walk away with clear steps to grow your venture in the world's most competitive market.
❯ What You'll Learn:
- U.S. expansion strategies from seasoned founders & experts.
- How to launch lean in one market and scale nationwide.
- Tactics that resonate with diverse U.S. buyers & investors.
❯ Featured Speaker:
- Guc Ozenci - Managing Director at Founder Institute Washington DC & Managing Partner at Connect-OP - Seasoned entrepreneur, technology professional and thriving leader with strong people skills and proven track record in connecting business needs with technology and innovation. Extensive consultative sales experience at global vendors. Co-founded a SaaS startup, raised two rounds of VC funding and recently exited by acquisition. Angel investor and advisor to multiple early stage ventures with 7x,3x and 2x markups. Mentor to social entrepreneurs, sponsor to social impact organizations.
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❯❯ This is a live, interactive online event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/378103/meetup to receive the Zoom URL to join us live!
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About Penn West Accelerator:
The Penn West Accelerator, powered by the Founder Institute and the Penn West Equity & Innovation District, is a premier equity-free program designed for post-MVP and seed-stage founders who are ready to expand in the U.S. East Coast.Running from October 27, 2025 to February 23, 2026 in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Golden Triangle, this program offers intensive in-person workshops, hands-on mentorship, workspace at WeWork, and a high-profile investor demo day. With no cost and no equity required, founders gain unparalleled access to resources, investors, and mentors to accelerate their growth.
About Founder Institute:
The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs raise over $1.75BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.
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❯❯ This is a live, interactive online event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/378103/meetup to receive the Zoom URL to join us live! - Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day OneLink visible for attendees
AI startups face high stakes when it comes to Responsible AI as decisions made early can't be undone. At this live online event, attendees will learn how to adopt robust responsible AI frameworks from day one to stay compliant and competitive. Fion Lee-Madan, Technical Co-Founder of Asenion, will share how early-stage founders can navigate AI governance, risk, and compliance. If you're building with AI and want to learn about responsibility from the ground up, don't miss this essential session.
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❯ What You’ll Learn- How to integrate Responsible AI into your startup from day one
- Why implementing compliance and ethics early sets your AI up for long-term success
- Practical frameworks to future-proof your AI product
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❯ Featured Speaker:- Fion Lee Madan - Technical Co-Founder, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Asenion (formerly Fairly AI + anch AI) - A founder, leader, lifelong learner, and catalyst of change, Fion Lee-Madan understands the shifting B2B enterprise software landscape and the transformative impact of AI. As a technical and business executive for Fortune 500 companies and at ATG through its Oracle acquisition, she led initiatives in product-market fit, demand generation, and customer success, thriving in competitive markets. Her experience living, working, and raising children internationally over the past 20 years fuels a deep commitment to promoting the fair and responsible use of technology, and to building a global network to operationalize Responsible AI to Fairly AI standards.
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❯❯ This live, interactive online event promises valuable insights! Ensure your participation by RSVPing now at 👉 https://fi.co/startupwebinar/19296 to receive the link to join us live! - Scaling Your Startup: Key Go-To-Market StrategiesLink visible for attendees
Launching is just the beginning—scaling is the real test. In this session, scaling expert Mark Phinick will break down how to identify your ICP, craft a winning value prop, and choose the right growth strategy—PLG, outbound, or channel partnerships, and many more. Learn how to design repeatable growth engines, align sales & marketing, and avoid common scaling traps. You'll leave with frameworks, case studies, and a roadmap to move from traction to sustainable scale. Ideal for founders, operators, and growth leaders.
❯ What You'll Learn:
- Proven Growth and GTM strategies from startup growth experts.
- How to turn traction into repeatable growth.
- Scaling tactics that attract customers and investors.
❯ Featured Speaker:
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Mark Phinick - Enterprise SaaS Coach at Let's Make It Rain - Enterprise SaaS deal coach who helps AI and SaaS startups convert stalled enterprise sales into scalable wins. With a career that includes leadership roles at IBM and HCL, Mark has contributed to 10 successful exits and driven consistent double-digit growth. His “Deal Coaching as a Service” empowers founders and AEs to navigate complex buying cycles, craft value-based proposals, and speak the language of the C-suite—accelerating revenue and increasing deal value.
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Guc Ozenci - Managing Director at Founder Institute Washington DC & Managing Partner at Connect-OP - Seasoned entrepreneur, technology professional and thriving leader with strong people skills and proven track record in connecting business needs with technology and innovation. Extensive consultative sales experience at global vendors. Co-founded a SaaS startup, raised two rounds of VC funding and recently exited by acquisition. Angel investor and advisor to multiple early stage ventures with 7x,3x and 2x markups. Mentor to social entrepreneurs, sponsor to social impact organizations.
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❯❯ This is a live, interactive online event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/378105/meetup to receive the Zoom URL to join us live! - How to Get Investors to Notice Your Startup: AMA with Marta MarruccoLink visible for attendees
Raising funding is more than pitching, it's about being truly ready for investors. At this live AMA, Marta Marrucco, founder of Smart Founder, shares insider matchmaking insights on what makes startups stand out to investors. She'll answer questions on preparing financial models, refining your pitch, and building relationships that lead to funding. If you want to understand how to attract investors by being investment-ready, don't miss this event.
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❯ What You'll Learn:- Discover common founder mistakes that can turn investors away
- Ask your fundraising questions directly and get honest, expert feedback
- Understand what makes a financial model compelling to VCs and angels
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❯ Featured Speaker:- Marta Marrucco - Owner at Smart Founder - Marta Marrucco is the founder of Smart Founder, a fundraising agency that bridges the gap between startups and investors. With experience supporting founders from launch through Series A and acquisition, she helps companies craft compelling financial models and prepare for funding success. Through Smart Founder, Marta collaborates with VCs, investors, and entrepreneurs to drive smarter, data-informed decisions in the investment ecosystem.
Additional Resources:
Find more Startup Events, learn about the Entrepreneur DNA test or sign up for the Insights Newsletter to get the latest startup tips and trends.
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❯❯ This live, interactive online event promises valuable insights! Ensure your participation by RSVPing now at 👉 https://fi.co/startupwebinar/19071 to receive the link to join us live!
