FI Midwest Spring 2026 Graduation: Meet the New Portfolio Companies

Meet the newest startups joining the Founder Institute portfolio at the FI Midwest Spring 2026 Graduation. In this live online event, you'll watch selected founders pitch their companies, hear an inspiring keynote, and learn what it really takes to build a fundable startup. More than a celebration, this is a showcase of real execution and a chance to connect with founders, mentors, and investors shaping the next generation of startups. Graduation Keynote Address:Parminder Batra – CEO, TraknProtectAs the CEO of TraknProtect, Parminder leverages her legal and business background, along with her certification as a mediator, to create innovative real-time location solutions for the hospitality industry. She leads a team of passionate and talented professionals who share a common vision of enhancing safety and security for hotel staff and guests, as well as improving operational efficiency and productivity for hoteliers. TraknProtect is not only a software platform that combines location technology, business analytics, and reporting, but also a mission-driven company that aims to impact the safety culture in hotels and eradicate human trafficking. We Proudly Announce the Following Graduate Companies:Ladsker - Develops agentic AI for marketing departments to make their advertisements easier, cheaper, and faster end-to-end. Proxy - Proximity-based dating app designed to cut through the process of swipe-dating culture by sensing when a compatible match is nearby and safely provides the words to meet that moment head on, in real life. BlockPass - Blockchain-based ticketing platform that captures lost value from resale markets and routes it back to organizers and attendees through code-enforced rules. CFYO! - Mobile-first behavioral app that uses cognitive psychology and technology to help accounting firms eliminate unbillable hours by building improved financial habits for their business owner clients. GetConnected AI - AI-powered resume optimization tool that helps job candidates improve their interview chances by scoring their resumes against specific job descriptions and providing actionable improvement suggestions. What You’ll See:5-minute debut pitches from GraduatesReal-world lessons from completing the FI acceleratorInsights into what investors look for at pre-seedClear next steps if you want to build a fundable startupWho Should Attend:Early-stage founders preparing to launch their startupFounders looking to raise pre-seed fundingEntrepreneurs validating an idea and seeking real-world benchmarksAspiring founders considering applying to the next Founder Institute cohort Additional Resources:Explore other Startup Events, learn more aabout Funding Benchmarks and Milestones, or visit our Insights Blog for more startup tips. About Founder Institute:The Founder Institute is the World's Largest AI-Native Company Builder, giving idea-stage, first-time founders, and employees making the leap to entrepreneurship the tools, global network, and proven methodology to build an AI-powered startup from zero to funding. Since 2009, our structured programs have helped over [total_graduates] founders across [total_countries] countries raise more than $[total_funding] in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 6 continents, our mission is to empower talented and motivated people everywhere to build impactful, AI-powered companies.