FELLOWSHIP

The Fellowship is a prestigious year-long program that helps ambitious young founders grow their businesses and themselves. The program helps you grow as a leader, strengthen your company, and connect with a network of peers who will champion you for life.

Applications for the Fellowship are currently closed. Join our waitlist to be the first to know when applications reopen in October 2026.

FUTURE FOUNDERS IMPACT

Revenue Generated
$ 0 M
Capital Raised
$ 0 M
Jobs Created
0
Exited or Still
Running Business
0 %
WHO WE ARE

A Community of Dreamers & Doers

Accelerate your personal and business growth through a prestigious, year-long Fellowship built for serious young founders. Designed for growth-stage entrepreneurs gaining traction, the program supports both your company and you as a founder, strengthening your decision-making and leadership skills alongside peers who understand the realities of building something meaningful.

Join our national, industry-agnostic community of ambitious founders and receive access to mentoring, skill development, retreats, and ongoing support, plus a network that continues long after the program ends.

Program Timeline

Applications Open

October
2026

Founder Interviews

January -
February 2027

Program
Dates

March -
November 2027

Weekly
Sessions

Tuesdays
4pm CT on Zoom

In-Person Retreats

April &
November 2027

WHO IT'S FOR

A National Community of Action-Oriented Founders

There is no “one-size-fits-all” Fellow. But there are a few things we look for when selecting applicants:

AGE

AGE

You’re 18- to 30-years old (or early 30s if it’s your first venture and you’re all-in)

LOCATION

LOCATION

You and your business must be based in the U.S.

OWNERSHIP

OWNERSHIP

You’re the primary decision-maker and equity holder in your company (typically the CEO or C-level position)

TRACTION

TRACTION

You've established product-market fit and are currently generating revenue

AVAILABILITY

AVAILABILITY

You’re excited to spend at least two hours a week with us virtually, and attending two in-person retreats in Chicago

COMMITMENT

COMMITMENT

You’re coachable, curious, and committed to contributing to our "give first" community
THE PROGRAM

What to Expect

masterminds

Weekly Sessions

1-2 hours a week in programming - held virtually on Tuesdays at 4:00 pm CT - plus time applying what you learn

peer groups

Peer Connections

Small, founder-focused discussions to connect on business and life, creating shared experiences that build lifelong friendships

Coaching Calls

One-on-one coaching calls with our team of experts to help with goal setting, problem solving, and accountability

Mentor

Mentor Network

Direct access to our network of mentors, as well as our private online founder community

ALUMNI NETWORK

A Community That Grows With You

Though the Fellowship ends after one year, the community does not. With ongoing virtual and in-person opportunities, you can return year after year to reconnect, collaborate, and continue growing alongside peers who understand your journey.

Stay involved in the way that fits you best. Engage informally through events and gatherings, or take on a more formal role through our Alumni Council. However you choose to participate, you remain part of a national network built to support you for the long term – something many founders have told us is as valuable as the Fellowship itself.

IN-PERSON CONNECTION

Retreats

Twice a year the entire cohort comes together in Chicago for immersive retreats designed to deepen relationships and accelerate growth. You’ll step away from the day-to-day of building and spend four days collaborating, problem-solving, and recharging alongside other founders who get it.

Note: Future Founders will cover your lodging, food, and activity expenses during the retreats. You are responsible for your travel to/from Chicago and a one-time $250 retreat fee upon acceptance into the program. Full participation in retreats is required for successful completion of the Fellowship.
The spring retreat (April 14–17, 2027) is exclusive to the Fellowship cohort and focuses on building trust, alignment, and momentum within your group. It’s the first opportunity to connect in person with your cohort.

The fall retreat (November 3–6, 2027) takes place during FounderCon, our annual gathering of Fellows, Startup Bootcampers, alumni, program partners, mentors, and friends of Future Founders – giving you access to the largest and most diverse group of peers and resources in our community.
FIND YOUR FIT

Which Program is Right For Me?

We offer two year-long programs for 18- to 30-year-old founders: the idea/early-stage Startup Bootcamp and the growth-stage Fellowship. Here are some things to consider when deciding which program is right for you.

Fellowship

For Growth-Stage Founders Meeting Most of These Qualifications:
  • Existing Users/Revenue
  • Legally Incorporated
  • Working on Business Full-Time
  • Primary Equity Holder
  • Primary Decision Maker
  • Part or Full-Time Employees
Join Waitlist

Startup Bootcamp

For Idea/Early-Stage Founders Meeting Most of These Qualifications:
  • No or Little Revenue/Users
  • Still Testing Business Models
  • No or Little Funding Raised
  • Business is Part-Time/Side-Hustle
  • No Full-Time Employees
  • Want to Apply with Co-Founder
Learn More

Featured Fellow Stories

Spots are limited.

Join our waitlist to be first in line when applications for our next cohort open.
Join Waitlist