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Articles in This Section

  • FFI | What is Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors?
  • FFI | When is the deadline to apply?
  • FFI | What’s the difference between Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors and the Inc. Private Equity 50?
  • FFI | What is the difference between Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors and the Inc. 5000?
  • FFI | What are the eligibility criteria?
  • FFI | What is the application process?
  • FFI | Is there a fee to apply?
  • FFI | Do you have a sample application?
  • FFI | Can my firm apply to multiple categories?
  • FFI | What type of references should I submit?

Related articles

  • FFI | What type of references should I submit?
  • FFI | Is there a fee to apply?
  • FFI | What is Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors?
  • FFI | When will the list be announced?
  • FFI | What are the eligibility criteria?

FFI | What is the application process?

Applying is easy! It’s just 3 simple steps:
• Complete your short application by filling in basic information about your firm and selecting the categories you'd like to apply for, once applications open in the Spring!
• Provide founder references. Inc. Business Media will reach out to the founder(s) of one or more of the portfolio companies you've provided in your application and ask a series of questions about their experience in partnering with your firm.
• Watch for our announcement. The list goes live in Fall 2025 and will be featured on Inc.com.  All applicants will be notified of their status before the list is released to the general public.
• Watch for our announcement. The list goes live in late October 2025 on Inc.com. All applicants will be notified of their status in July before the list is released to the general public.

Ready to apply? Click here today!

Early-Rate Deadline: May 16, 2025 (Fee: $1295)
Application Deadline: June 20, 2025 (Fee: $1795)
The deadline to complete founder references is June 27, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Have any questions or concerns? Email us at founderfriendly@inc.com. 

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