I'm delighted to highlight that in continuing with BizSpark's promise of providing young startup companies the software tools, support, and visibility to be successful, that we are meaningfully involved in the inaugural semester of The Founder Institute beginning May 19, 2009. But hurry, the application deadline is May 10! 
The Founder Institute was created by veteran entrepreneur, and Founding Member of TheFunded.com, Adeo Ressi. With him Adeo brings years of entrepreneurial experience, his inside knowledge of structuring companies, and in invaluable rolodex which he has used to bring in the Institute's mentors. Each session of the Institute's curriculum will be taught by different mentors, and the list is not short and extremely distinguished including Michael Arrington (TechCrunch), Jason Calacanis (Mahalo), Mark Pincus (Zynga), Scott Heiferman (Meetup.com), James Hong (HotorNot.com) and many more.
Also unique about The Founder Institute are the "extremely pro-founder" terms, as Adeo tells me. He says that he's worked long and hard with his legal counsel to structure the most founder-friendly terms of any early-stage incubator out there. Ressi says that, "The Institute's unique equity-sharing model aligns incentives and ensures maximum effort from all parties involved. When one of the Institute's companies does well, all of the participating companies benefit - and when the Institute's Mentors help the participating companies, they share in the upside as well."
Microsoft BizSpark is thrilled to be involved as the Institute's first Charter Sponsor, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with them as they grow. As a part of our involvement we are offering:
- Founders access to the full suite of Microsoft products for development purposes through the BizSpark program
- Founders will gain access to the BizSpark network for investor, vendor, and advisor contacts
- Five Founders will be BizSpark Fellows, receiving a scholarship to the institute,
- Microsoft will make facilities available for Summer 2009 sessions
If you're a passionate Founder and want to apply for entrance to the Institute please apply here; but do so quickly because there are only 3 days left! For more information visit www.founderinstitute.com or contact jonathan@thefunded.com
