Future Founders is excited to launch the application for our 2027 Startup programming. We run two programs: the idea/early-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 and out of high school 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 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
Early Decision (strongly recommended as demand for programs is high): Sunday, December 6, 2026 @ 11:59p CT
Interviews for the Early Decision round will take place in January 2027.
Regular Decision: Sunday, January 10, 2027 @ 11:59p CT
Interviews for the Regular Decision round will take place in January-February 2027.
Program Dates
Startup Bootcamp: Weekly on Wednesdays from 4 PM to 6 PM (March 2027 - November 2027)
Fellowship: Weekly on Tuesdays from 4 PM to 6 PM Central Time (March 2027 - November 2027)
Retreat Fees
As a non-profit, Future Founders offers free programs to talented founders like you. Given rising retreat costs and to ensure each participant has some "skin in the game," retreat fees are a required part of participation.
Upon acceptance into the Fellowship, you will be required to make a one-time $250 non-refundable payment to cover retreat costs for a spring and fall program retreat.
Upon acceptance into Phase 2 of the Startup Bootcamp, you will be required to a make a one-time non-refundable $75 payment to cover retreat costs for a fall program retreat.
If that is a barrier to your participation or you need a unique payment plan or alternative solution, please email the program lead (Chris or Sean) listed above.