wants you to join ODF
ODF
For early-stage founders who are anywhere from pre-idea through pre-seed.
Our selection process ensures that the ODF network is made up of ambitious people with shared guiding values and valuable experience as a builder.
Apply
We review applications on a rolling basis.
Interview
Chat with someone in the community to understand if you're a fit.
Onboard
Begin your startup journey, and build a network of lifelong friends and supporters.
We've helped 2500+ founders find early hires, first customers, and raise capital.
1000+ Companies
Founded by ODF founders
$ 2B+ Raised
From top global investors
$ 9B+ Combined value
Companies founded over two years
FAQ
ODF is a one-week, in-person sprint designed to help you figure out what company to build, and with whom.
After the week we’ll onboard you to our online network of 2,000+ founders that combines community, software and IRL events to help you build early product momentum, get distribution, and raise capital.
No, we’re a non-dilutive program.
We’re a non-dilutive program that has always cost money to join since we launched 5 years ago. For our 23rd cohort we’re experimenting with a pay-what-you-want model. What you contribute covers the weeklong intensive in San Francisco and access to the digital community. Our suggested price is $1000USD.
We strongly encourage everyone to attend the week-long event in San Francisco.
For the rest of the year, how much time you invest in ODF is largely up to you. You’ll continue to have access to a vibrant online community, regular programming and frequent IRL happenings.
The first week is an intensive, in-person experience. You must commit to being in SF for the majority of the one week intensive.
For the rest of the year, how much time you invest in ODF is largely up to you. You’ll continue to have access to a vibrant online community.
We welcome global founders from all over the world to apply and join our community. We want founders to meet in person, then carry their relationships with them wherever they go. We encourage founders to try to spend as much time in SF as they can during the program. You will get the most value from participation if you take this as an opportunity to invest in building your Bay Area network.
Additionally, the community mainly consists of founders whose companies are selling to US/EU/LATAM-based customers. Our programming is also mostly geared towards US-based startups, and happens mostly on US-friendly hours. If you are not planning to sell to US/EU/LATAM customers, you may find less utility from ODF.
No, but you must commit to being in SF for the majority of the one week intensive. It’s important to have everyone present physically to make the most of the week. If you cannot make the dates work for IRL you can ask to defer your admission to a future cohort.
When you join ODF, you get:
✅ One week of onboarding alongside 100+ high-momentum founders
✅ Access to the ODF community, including 2,500+ talented alumni and regular events
✅ Access to our Community Platform
✅ Thousands of hours of recorded workshops and how-tos
✅ >$800k in perks from companies like AWS, Brex, and Carta
If you are anywhere from 50-100% sure you would like to start a company in the next 6 months ODF could be an excellent fit for you. We’ve been doing this for over 4 years and during that time we’ve seen how being part of a cohort can help someone build the conviction they need to go all-in. Applying is free and takes a few minutes so if you’d like to learn more feel free to submit something.
Participation is held in strict confidence. Even if you’re happy to share, you are requested to respect the privacy of other members who aren’t ready to make their plans public.
On Deck’s Admissions team accepts applications on a rolling basis. Check out ODF Admissions Process to learn more.
Here’s what we look for in candidates:
- Raw entrepreneurial potential and network: Previously founded or was an early generalist employee of a notably successful company, and is now moving on to a 2nd/3rd/etc venture.
- Technical excellence: Has advanced degree and/or recognized as a research leader within applicable technology fields (e.g. machine learning, STEM).
- Product leadership: Held senior roles at notable companies, and can point to examples of products they’ve built/scaled to hundreds of thousands of people.
- Industry experience: Worked in X industry for Y years, and has developed and can speak to unique insights or unfair advantages they possess vs. all others.
You must commit to being in SF for the majority of the one week intensive. It’s important to have everyone present physically to make the most of the week. If you cannot make the dates work for IRL you can ask to defer your admission to a future cohort.
ODF24 kicks off February 28th in SF.
On Deck lives by four core guiding values, crucial to the culture we strive to foster in the community: Service, Confidentiality, Gratitude, Family.