THE FCAT FELLOWSHIP

for trailblazing STARTUP founders

THE FCAT FELLOWSHIP

FOR TRAILBLAZING STARTUP FOUNDERS

The FCAT Fellowship, an innovative program powered by the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT), sponsors motivated startup founders with significant access to tech resources and growth support.

FCAT is dedicated to identifying emerging technologies that will shape our future. This fellowship aims to attract trailblazing, idea-igniting, and game-changing founders who are ready to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. If you’re a passionate early-stage founder who embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and global vision, this is the opportunity for you.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • Early Stage Startups
    The program is geared towards early stage, pre-seed startups, building emerging technologies that change the way we work and live.
  • Disruptive Technologies
    Your startup harnesses the power of technology to disrupt industries, solves real-world problems, and makes a positive impact.
  • Grit & Determination
    You have the grit to overcome life’s obstacles. You get a thrill from navigating unpredictable paths and embrace adversity as an opportunity to grow. You are a trailblazer who is determined to turn big ideas into thriving businesses.

The FCAT Fellowship helps to accelerate your startup growth through curated programming, resources, mentorship, and access to a thriving startup community.

The FCAT Fellowship, an innovative program powered by the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT), sponsors motivated startup founders with significant access to tech resources and growth support.

FCAT is dedicated to identifying emerging technologies that will shape our future. This fellowship aims to attract trailblazing, idea-igniting, and game-changing founders who are ready to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. If you’re a passionate early-stage founder who embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and global vision, this is the opportunity for you.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • Early Stage Startups
    The program is geared towards early stage, pre-seed startups, building emerging technologies that change the way we work and live.
  • Disruptive Technologies
    Your startup harnesses the power of technology to disrupt industries, solves real-world problems, and makes a positive impact.
  • Grit & Determination
    You have the grit to overcome life’s obstacles. You get a thrill from navigating unpredictable paths and embrace adversity as an opportunity to grow. You are a trailblazer who is determined to turn big ideas into thriving businesses.

The FCAT Fellowship helps to accelerate your startup growth through curated programming, resources, mentorship, and access to a thriving startup community.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • The Fellowship Program — 10-week program designed to move your startup forward. With weekly in-person immersive workshops, mentorship, online curriculum, and unique experiences with technology pioneers and leaders.
  • AU Residency — Receive 12 months of All-Access Coworking membership at American Underground. Includes access to workspace, meeting rooms, member exclusive events, and additional mentor hours.
  • The Cohort — Startup life can be an isolating journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Build your business alongside a cohort of founders who can support and cheer you on.
  • Mentorship — Receive one-on-one coaching and mentorship from founders, business experts, coaches, leaders, and the FCAT team mentors representing cross-functional disciplines.
  • Business Resources — Receive access to numerous business resources to help you build – business experts, website builders, cloud credits, discounts on foundational business platforms, priority access to tech conferences, and more.
  • Founders Showcase — Let’s show off all your hard work and celebrate with a Pitch Event with awards.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • The Fellowship Program — 10-week program designed to move your startup forward. With weekly in-person immersive workshops, mentorship, online curriculum, and unique experiences with technology pioneers and leaders.
  • AU Residency — Receive 12 months of All-Access Coworking membership at American Underground. Includes access to workspace, meeting rooms, member exclusive events, and additional mentor hours.
  • The Cohort — Startup life can be an isolating journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Build your business alongside a cohort of founders who can support and cheer you on.
  • Mentorship — Receive one-on-one coaching and mentorship from founders, business experts, coaches, leaders, and the FCAT team mentors representing cross-functional disciplines.
  • Business Resources — Receive access to numerous business resources to help you build – business experts, website builders, cloud credits, discounts on foundational business platforms, priority access to tech conferences, and more.
  • Founders Showcase — Let’s show off all your hard work and celebrate with a Pitch Event with awards.

INFO AND FAQS

When and where is the program?

The program runs October 2 – December 11 at American Underground in Durham, NC. The program balances virtual and asynchronous work with weekly in-person, day-long sessions at the AU every Wednesday.

What are the in-person expectations?

In-person attendance at each Wednesday session is an expectation of the program. Specific in-person dates are:

  • October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
  • November 6, 13, 20
  • December 4, 11
Who is eligible to participate?

Startup founders building with forward-looking technologies, serving the next generation of customers. Must be located in the U.S. An original founding member of the company must be present for weekly sessions.

Can I bring my team?

No — each startup may only send one original founder.

What kinds of startups are eligible?

The FCAT Fellowship is open to emerging, tech-driven innovators who have the determination to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact. 

The program is geared towards early stage, pre-seed startups. Your startup must have an outline of an MVP and have started the customer discovery process.

Does it cost anything to participate?

There is no fee to participate in this program. On in-person days, the AU will provide meals and exclusive activities for founders to participate in. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from Durham each week.

What kinds of programming should I expect?

Each week will be themed around a particular set of skills and concepts. Expect to deep dive into multiple areas, including how to tell your story, customer discovery, validation, scaling sales, and all things funding.

What else is on the schedule?

After each full day of in-person workshops, expect events that will help connect you with your fellow founders, explore the Triangle, engage with the startup ecosystem, and exclusively connect with leading tech founders and execs.

Is there support after the program?

Yes! All founders that participate in the FCAT Fellowship will receive a 12 month All Access Coworking membership at American Underground in Durham, NC. This membership includes access to workspace, meeting rooms, member exclusive events, mentorship, and access to an engaged founder community.

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT) does not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for the services or products offered by third-party companies who may offer support and may be accessible to Fellowship participants.  The inclusion of third-party companies in the FCAT Fellowship Program does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by FCAT.  Fidelity is not affiliated with any third-party featured on this site.