Neo Accelerator is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort, offering early-stage technical founders a structured three-month program designed to help them scale faster, refine their vision, and connect with top mentors and investors. With hands-on guidance, flexible funding, and a strong founder community, Neo provides the support system and resources needed to build enduring companies.
Key Details
- Application deadline: 11:59pm PT on Friday, March 14
- Locations: Oregon (bootcamp) & San Francisco (optional co-working)
- Funding: $600K via an uncapped SAFE with a $10M floor valuation
- Demo day: Pitch to top-tier VCs, investors, and tech leaders
Who Should Apply?
Neo is looking for technical teams and solo founders at the pre-seed and seed stage, though startups at different stages will also be considered. At least one founder must have a strong technical background. The program prioritizes North American startups, but some exceptions may be made.
Since its launch, Neo has emphasized diversity in tech, with 45% of its capital backing female and underrepresented minority CEOs.
What Founders Get
Immersive Company-Building Program
The accelerator kicks off with a month-long bootcamp in Oregon (July 13 – August 6), where founders live and work alongside peers and mentors, followed by optional co-working in San Francisco. The program ends with a final retreat and Demo Day in Arizona (October 1 – 5), where startups pitch to leading investors and industry veterans.
Flexible Funding Terms
Neo offers $600K in funding through a two-part deal:
- $600K uncapped SAFE with a $10M floor valuation
- 1.5% in common stock
The uncapped SAFE means the valuation is determined at the next funding round, ensuring no fixed cap but a minimum valuation of $10M. This structure limits dilution to a maximum of 6% for Neo’s investment. If a company raises at a valuation above $10M, Neo’s ownership will be lower, but the accelerator retains pro rata rights to invest further and maintain up to 7.5% ownership.
Additionally, Neo incentivizes collaboration within its founder community by offering economic participation in its fund’s carry, equivalent to the profit from $10,000 of "money at work." This vests after one year, provided founders remain in their startup or join another Neo portfolio company
Expert Mentorship & Network
Neo provides access to seasoned operators, startup veterans, and tech industry leaders who have built and scaled some of the most successful companies. Past and current mentors include Ali Partovi (Neo, LinkExchange), Fuzzy Khosrowshahi (Google Sheets, Notion), Melissa Tan (Webflow, Dropbox), Kyle Parrish (Figma), Ben Newhouse (OpenAI, Dropbox), Gabriela de Queiroz (Microsoft AI), and Jason Dorfman (Orum, Rubrik).
Technical leaders from OpenAI, Microsoft, Stripe, and Notion provide 1:1 mentorship, deep-dive office hours, and hands-on workshops to support founders throughout the program
Additional Perks & AI Support
Participants receive:
- $350K+ in OpenAI and Microsoft Azure credits for AI infrastructure
- Direct access to OpenAI and Microsoft researchers for in-person guidance
- Hiring support through Neo’s recruiting platform, used by top companies like Ramp, Notion, and OpenAI
- Discounts on startup tools, including Dropbox, HubSpot, Stripe, and GitHub Enterprise
Program Structure & Selection Process
Neo primarily funds pre-seed and seed-stage startups, though applications from companies at other stages will also be considered. Solo founders are welcome, provided they have a technical background. The selection process includes an initial interview, followed by further discussions with mentors and potential investors. Companies must be incorporated as a Delaware C-Corp before the program starts.
How to Apply
- Deadline: 11:59pm PT on Friday, March 14
- Link to apply: https://neo.com/accelerator