A California-based business accelerator that considers applicants based on their test scores is considering launching a Baltimore chapter.
Founder Institute already operates in 61 cities, and now it's looking for its first Baltimore class. Local organizers will be hosting events throughout the month of October to determine whether any local entrepreneurs meet their standards – talented folks who would be a part of the four-month program that would start later this year or toward the beginning of 2015.
Those interested in joining Founder Institute are not only evaluated based on their startup ideas, but also by a test that assesses "their personalities and the likelihood that they would make successful entrepreneurs," according to the Baltimore Business Journal.
The program is looking for at least 20 participants to start who would attend night and weekend classes 20 hours a week where they would learn the best kept secrets about creating a leadership team, growing a customer base, marketing and product development.
If established, the Founder Institute in Baltimore would be operated by Neil Kleinberg as co-director and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Professor Rick Milter. The Johns Hopkins connection here would likely be advantageous for the university as a funnel of talent. Whether it be skilled researchers or innovative teachers they're looking for, Johns Hopkins could find potential employees via the Founder Institute Baltimore chapter.
