Need more proof that the Sacramento startup ecosystem is growing? For the last few months, the hard-working crew of Founder Institute Sacramento have been holding a series of free startup workshops and events to explore the viability of launching the Founder Institute in Sacramento.

Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 60 countries and 170 cities, Founder Institute is an idea-stage accelerator and startup launch program that provides participants a structured process, constant feedback and evaluation from expert mentors, and global network of entrepreneurs that are needed to start an enduring company. In addition, the Founder Institute is the only program of its kind that focuses on people versus ideas, accepts founders with day jobs, and shares equity with all participants.

The leaders of the effort to bring the program to Sacramento include local startup leaders Gabor Szecsi (Co-Founder, DiverseCity Ventures), Mariah Lichtenstern (Founding Partner, DiverseCity Ventures), and Veronica Smith(Acting Executive Director, Sacramento Employment and Economic Development (SEED) Corporation).

It was during one of the startup workshops on yesterday evening downtown that Mariah Lichtenstern proudly broke the news that the program had the green light to launch in Sacramento. Throughout the exploratory period, the organizing team has cultivated an extensive list of technology and entrepreneurial leaders in Sacramento, including StartupSac, to sign on and mentor new entrepreneurs. You can see the full list of these leaders on the announcement page.

Mariah Lichtenstern

Mariah Lichtenstern gives an overview of Founder Institute’s program at one of several free startup workshops

Before the program begins, the Founder Institute will be hosting a series of “pre-curriculum” public events to help aspiring entrepreneurs improve their ideas and startup skills. Check out the full list of upcoming Founder Institute Sacramento events.

StartupSac is proud to be a partner of Founder Institute’s Sacramento program and we’re looking forward to helping them out and doing our part to support and train entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. Congratulations Mariah, Gabor, and Veronica for successfully bringing this program to Sacramento!

If you’d like to hear more about Founder Institute in Mariah’s own words, check out our podcast interview with her.