Description

• SOSV typically makes its initial investment at pre-seed / early seed for startups that join its flagship development programs (e.g., HAX, IndieBio, Orbit). 
  
  
• These programs are designed to accelerate technology, product, and team development before external fundraising. 
  
  

• SOSV continues to invest follow-on capital into portfolio companies as they progress through Series Seed, Series A, and later rounds — but usually only if SOSV invested at pre-seed. 
  
  

• SOSV’s pre-seed checks typically fall in the ~$250,000 to $550,000 range, depending on the program and startup needs. 
  
  
• Some founder reports cite ~$250,000 as SOSV’s standard early ticket in accelerator programs that also help with fundraising momentum. 
  
  

• SOSV does not publicly disclose a uniform equity percentage across all investments (equity terms are negotiated deal by deal).
  
  
• As an active investor through pre-seed to Series, SOSV usually holds minority, non-controlling positions appropriate for early-stage venture capital.
  
  

• SOSV’s investments are tied to startup development programs where capital is paired with deep technical resources, facilities, and mentorship — effectively blending program support + capital at early stages. 
  
  

• Early investments are typically made via standard venture instruments appropriate for early stage (e.g., SAFEs/notes converting to equity upon priced rounds).
  
  
• SOSV deploys capital through program entry and subsequent rounds, often participating alongside co-investors in seed and later financing. 
  
  
• There are no universal public terms on equity percentages comparable to fixed accelerator models — terms vary by company, program, and stage.
  
  

• Founders typically apply to SOSV’s startup development programs (e.g., HAX for hard/deep tech, IndieBio for life sciences, and others like Orbit). 
  
  
• Applications run through SOSV’s websites for each program; they operate in regions such as New York City, San Francisco, and Newark (U.S.), among others. 
  
  

• Accepted companies work closely with SOSV partners, mentors, and technical teams during the program and beyond. Decisions to invest follow this intensive engagement.
  
  

Eligibility

Process

• Deep Tech: Hard tech, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and hardware systems. 
  
  
• Life Sciences & Health: Biotech, diagnostics, therapeutic platforms, and related areas (via IndieBio). 
  
  
• Climate & Planetary Health: Decarbonization, sustainable food systems, materials, energy, and other climate innovations. 
  
  

• Global — SOSV has backed founders from dozens of countries and maintains development programs in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. 
  
  

• Early sampling through pre-seed and seed via program entry; follow-on participation into Series A and later rounds. 
  
  

• Founders aiming to solve complex scientific, engineering, or planetary challenges with technologies requiring deep R&D and capital.
  
  

What an Applicant can Obtain