Description

• HAX is explicitly designed for pre-seed and early seed companies that are beyond idea stage, ideally with a prototype or working proof-of-concept in hand. 
  
  
• The program aims to help founders move from prototype to de-risked technical progress, MVP, and early customer traction — which positions them for seed and later rounds. 
  
  

• Once HAX companies finish the accelerator, SOSV continues to support follow-on funding through seed, Series A, and later rounds as part of its multi-stage venture platform. 
  
  

• HAX offers an initial pre-seed investment typically between ~$250,000 and ~$550,000 in total capital support, which often includes a mix of cash plus in-kind engineering, lab access, and prototyping resources through the accelerator facility. 
  
  

• There is no single published equity percentage officially stated on HAX’s website; however, some accelerator-analysis sources suggest typical equity in the ~10–20% range in exchange for capital plus program support. 
  
  
• Actual terms (e.g., SAFE structure, valuation caps, equity %) are usually negotiated at offer time and may vary by company, stage, and how much in-kind support is offered within the package.
  
  

• As with most venture programs, HAX’s ownership outcomes are minority, early-stage positions that depend on valuation, capital invested, and co-investor participation in the round.
  
  

• HAX investments are generally structured via early-stage venture instruments, typically SAFEs with valuation caps or discounts (per SOSV’s general investment practice). 
  
  
• The investment is combined with hands-on engineering and lab support as part of the accelerator package — the “in-kind” component is a material part of the program value.
  
  

• Founders apply through the HAX website with:
  
  
  • Company and team details
    
    
  • Pitch deck
    
    
  • Prototype / product information
    
    
  • Cap table and basic traction metrics
    
    
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling or selective basis rather than strict cohort deadlines, and founders are expected to commit full time to participation. 
  
  

• Startup screening looks for:
  
  
  • A working prototype or technical proof-of-concept
    
    
  • Strong technical team (often engineering / science expertise)
    
    
  • Validated problem and initial customer insight
    
    
• Accepted founders work closely with HAX engineers, designers, and business mentors throughout the program. 

Eligibility

• Hard tech, defined as hardware-centric physical science innovations, including but not limited to:
  
  
  • Robotics and automation
    
    
  • Industrial sensors and IoT
    
    
  • Climate and sustainability hardware
    
    
  • Advanced materials
    
    
  • Manufacturing and fabrication systems
    
    
  • Human health hardware tools that integrate hardware + software 
    
    

• Pre-seed and early seed — typically teams with initial prototypes, not just decks. 
  
  

• Global; HAX has flagship facilities in Newark, NJ (USA) plus presences in Shenzhen, Pune, San Francisco, and Tokyo. 
  
  

• Founders with deep technical expertise capable of building complex hardware products and navigating long development timelines. 
  
  

Process

1. Application Review: Founders submit applications with prototype details and team backgrounds. 
   
   
2. Screening / Interviews: SOSV/HAX teams assess technological depth, team strength, and fit to the hard tech thesis.
   
   
3. Offer & Terms: If selected, founders receive a term sheet outlining capital + in-kind support and equity/Safe terms.
   
   
4. Residency & Build: Founders join the six-month residency — typically in Newark or regional hubs — working with engineers and business coaches. 
   
   
5. Demo / Fundraising Support: As milestones are met, HAX helps position startups for seed rounds and continuation with SOSV’s follow-on capital.

What an Applicant can Obtain