Answer
Jul 03, 2022 - 12:54 PM
I did the program in 2011. I'd say it is somewhat useful. If you are new to business or startups it gives you structure to pursue your idea--serves as a forcing function to get you to execute on that idea you've been mulling. It also exposes you to successful mentors and entrepreneurs.
In addition to the people who run the program, they have guest lectures by other successful founders and so it is useful to get different perspectives. You realize that mega-successful people sometimes have diametrically opposed views to each other, but they all succeeded. This gave me confidence to pursue my own path and I got expelled from the program.
They do not give you capital or do any serious intros to investors so don't expect this and of course they charge for the program. Looking back, I am not sure there have been major successful companies that have come out of FI as it tends to attract less committed people. If you can, try to get into TechStars or Y Combinator.
And don't worry about the "Entrepreneur DNA" test which is more like an IQ Test. IMO it is a very poor predictor of success for entrepreneurs. The people who do well at these tests are straight A students who are not used to failing and have their identity wrapped in this. But entrepreneurship is not like this. You will fail a lot along the way and get rejected a lot. Persistence and perseverance are much more important so develop this!
In addition to the people who run the program, they have guest lectures by other successful founders and so it is useful to get different perspectives. You realize that mega-successful people sometimes have diametrically opposed views to each other, but they all succeeded. This gave me confidence to pursue my own path and I got expelled from the program.
They do not give you capital or do any serious intros to investors so don't expect this and of course they charge for the program. Looking back, I am not sure there have been major successful companies that have come out of FI as it tends to attract less committed people. If you can, try to get into TechStars or Y Combinator.
And don't worry about the "Entrepreneur DNA" test which is more like an IQ Test. IMO it is a very poor predictor of success for entrepreneurs. The people who do well at these tests are straight A students who are not used to failing and have their identity wrapped in this. But entrepreneurship is not like this. You will fail a lot along the way and get rejected a lot. Persistence and perseverance are much more important so develop this!
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