1:04:40

The webinar, hosted by Nima Kazerooni (Director, Founder Institute Brazil) and co‑host Jaime Araújo (Co‑Director, Founder Institute Brasília), introduced the Founder Institute (FI) program in Brazil and answered a wide range of participant questions. FI is presented as a premier early‑stage startup launch accelerator that operates in over 60 countries, aiming to globalize Silicon Valley’s mindset and create one million jobs worldwide, with a target of 100 000 jobs in Brazil. The program serves three founder profiles – idea‑stage entrepreneurs (often still employed), MVP‑stage founders, and early‑stage companies with some traction but under $2 M revenue. FI’s curriculum consists of 14 weekly sessions covering idea validation, legal formation, go‑to‑market planning, product development, hiring, growth, equity, and fundraising, supplemented by weekly assignments and mentor reviews. Participants are evaluated each week via a 1‑minute standing pitch scored by mentors; consistent low scores lead to dismissal, while higher scores allow progression. Graduates cede 4 % of their company’s equity, which is split among FI, the graduating cohort, mentors, and directors. Fees are $50 application (waived for webinar attendees) and $699 program fee (reduced to R$599 for early admission), with refunds possible if a participant exits before the third session. Various fellowships and scholarships (Female Founder Fellowship, Social Founder impact scholarship, etc.) are offered, with links provided. The Q&A covered practical concerns such as application status, city‑specific logistics, language requirements, equity mechanics, legal incorporation, payment options, and post‑graduation support (Founder Lab, seed portfolio, demo days). The hosts emphasized the program’s rigor, collaborative ecosystem, and the importance of execution over ideas.

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