Future Founders is excited to launch the application for our 2026 Startup programming. We run two programs: the idea-stage Startup Bootcamp and the growth-stage Fellowship.
Prior to applying to one of these programs, we highly recommend you review the website for the program you are applying to and encourage you to book time with the staff member running your program of interest - we'd appreciate the opportunity to get to know you and tell you a little more about how we'll help you in the coming year.
Please email only one member of our team. If you are unsure on which program or want to discuss both, please email Chris Van Etten.
Startup Bootcamp - Email Chris Van Etten (chris@futurefounders.com) to book time
Fellowship - Email Sean Muldoon (sean@futurefounders.com) to book time
The Application
This application will allow you to apply to either of our programs through a single form. Please note that the Fellowship application requires a short video submission.
Estimated time for completion:
- Startup Bootcamp application: 20 minutes
- Fellowship application: 30 minutes (including video submission)
Eligibility
- Industry: Future Founders programs are industry agnostic (we've worked with everything from jewelry to drones).
- Age: Our programming is geared for people 18-30ish years of age. You have to be at least 18 to qualify. Totally cool if you're in your thirties, especially if this is your first go-around within entrepreneurship or you need a community to support you in this journey.
- Co-founders: Co-founders are eligible to participate together in the Startup Bootcamp only. Co-founders must submit their own applications to be considered. Co-founders will not be eligible to both participate in the Fellowship; If you have two co-founders you'd like to be considered, they may each apply, but only one may be selected.
- Equity: Applicants should be the primary equity holder and decision maker within their company/business.
- Your location: Most of our programming is held virtually, but each program includes at least one retreat in Chicago. You do not need to live in or relocate to Chicago if selected. Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot work with companies or founders HQ'd outside of the United States.
Future Founders is a non-profit and our programs are offered free of charge. We
do not take equity in your business. Our goal is to create the nation's largest, inclusive community of intentional young entrepreneurs - we're looking to work with awesome founders who are action-oriented, vulnerable, and willing to give first.
Application Deadline
The Regular Consideration Deadline is February 4, 2026 at 11:59PM CT. Interviews will take place in February 2026.
Program Dates
Startup Bootcamp: Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 PM to 6 PM (March 2026 - November 2026)
Fellowship: Weekly on Tuesdays from 4 PM to 6 PM Central Time (March 2026 - November 2026)
Program Acceptance
Upon acceptance into the Fellowship, you will be required to make a one-time fully refundable $225 deposit (refunded after successful completion of the program in November 2026). If that is a barrier to your participation or you need a unique payment plan or alternative solution, please email Sean at sean@futurefounders.com to discuss. No deposit is required for the Startup Bootcamp.