Neo Accelerator is a highly selective 3-month program designed for technical founders who are building the next generation of groundbreaking startups. With a cohort of just 20 teams, Neo provides an all-expenses-paid bootcamp in Oregon, optional San Francisco office space, $600K in funding, and access to world-class mentors, investors, and AI resources from OpenAI and Microsoft.
The program is highly founder-friendly, offering uncapped funding terms with a $10M floor valuation. At Demo Day, startups pitch top-tier investors from firms like Sequoia, a16z, and Khosla Ventures, increasing their chances of securing a strong follow-on round.
2. Neo Accelerator Program Overview
All-Expenses-Paid Bootcamp: A month-long retreat in Oregon, where founders work intensively alongside mentors and peers.
Optional SF Office Space: Continue building with your cohort in Neo’s San Francisco workspace for the remainder of the program.
$600K in Funding: Structured as an uncapped SAFE with a $10M floor valuation and 1.5% in common stock.
World-Class Mentorship: Learn directly from top founders, operators, and engineers through 1:1 sessions and workshops.
Hiring & Recruiting Support: Neo connects startups with top-tier engineering talent, including candidates from OpenAI, Notion, and Ramp.
AI & Cloud Benefits: $350K+ in Microsoft and OpenAI credits, plus priority access to high-end GPUs for AI training.
Demo Day & Fundraising Support: Hands-on guidance in pitching investors, closing deals, and scaling operations.
3. Neo Accelerator Eligibility Requirements
Neo is designed for highly technical teams who are focused on deep tech, AI, SaaS, fintech, or enterprise solutions.
Founder Profile: At least one technical founder per team; solo technical founders are also welcome.
Company Stage: Ideal for pre-seed or seed-stage startups, but later-stage startups may apply.
Geography: Primarily for North American startups, though exceptions may be made.
Commitment: Founders must attend the in-person Oregon bootcamp and Demo Day in Arizona.
4. Neo Program Application Process
1. Online Application
Submit an application through Neo’s website, providing details about your team, product, and vision.
2. Founder Information & References
Each founder must submit personal information and two reference checks to complete the application.
3. Initial Interview
Selected teams will have a 10-minute video call with Neo’s investment team.
4. Deep-Dive Interview
Shortlisted applicants will participate in multiple interviews with Neo accelerator mentors and investors, focusing on:
Technical Feasibility
Market Opportunity
Business Model & Scaling Potential
5. Funding Decision
Accepted startups receive $600K in funding and access to the Neo community immediately.
🛑 Important: Neo accepts applications on a rolling basis—apply early for the best chance of admission.
5. Neo Accelerator Investment Terms & Program Costs
$600K Safe Investment
Uncapped SAFE with a $10M floor valuation.
Pro-rata rights to invest in future rounds.
1.5% in Common Stock
Aligns Neo’s success with founders long-term.
Carry Participation
Founders receive a share of Neo’s profits (vests after one year).
No Program Fees – Neo does not charge for participation. Funding is provided in exchange for equity only.
6. Why Neo Accelerator?
1. Small, Elite Cohorts
With just 20 startups per batch, Neo ensures deep mentorship and a tight-knit founder community.
2. Uncapped Founder-Friendly Funding
Neo accelerator offers $600K with no valuation cap, protecting founders from excessive dilution.
3. Exclusive AI & Cloud Benefits
$350K+ in Microsoft & OpenAI credits
Priority access to GPUs for AI development
Microsoft for Startups perks, including GitHub Enterprise & LinkedIn Premium
4. Hands-On Hiring Support
This accelerator provides unmatched recruiting support, connecting startups with top engineering talent.
5. Top-Tier Investor Access
Neo-backed startups pitch Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Khosla Ventures, and Thrive at Demo Day.
7. Tips for a Winning Neo Application
Show Strong Technical Leadership
At least one technical founder is required.
Highlight AI, deep tech, or complex engineering expertise.
Demonstrate Market Potential
Show how your startup addresses a large, growing market.
Back claims with market research or early traction.
Have a Clear Product Vision
Even if you’re pre-product, define a clear roadmap.
Explain what makes your product technically unique.
Show Traction (If Available)
If you have users, highlight adoption metrics.
Early pilots, revenue, or partnerships strengthen your case.
Highlight a Strong Team
Investors want to see execution ability.
Solo founders? Show how you’ll expand your team post-investment.
8. FAQs
Q1: Do I need to relocate for the program?
A1: Yes. Neo requires founders to attend the Oregon bootcamp, and participation in SF office space & Demo Day is encouraged.
Q2: Can I apply as a solo founder?
A2: Yes. However, at least one founder must be technical.
Q3: What industries does Neo accelerator focus on?
A3: Neo invests across AI, deep tech, SaaS, fintech, enterprise, and frontier tech.
Q4: Can I apply if I’ve raised funding?
A4: Yes, but companies that haven’t raised more than $2M are preferred.
Q5: Is the program free?
A5: Yes. There is no program fee—Neo invests in exchange for equity only.
9. Final Thoughts on Getting Into Neo Accelerator
Neo Accelerator provides an unmatched opportunity for technical founders to secure $600K in flexible funding, deep mentorship, and access to leading AI tools from Microsoft and OpenAI.
With its elite 20-startup cohort, world-class advisors, and hands-on hiring support, Neo is one of the most founder-friendly accelerators available.
🚀 If you’re a technical founder with an ambitious vision, apply now to Neo Accelerator for the chance to build alongside some of the best minds in tech!
