San Francisco, CA – HF0, the intensive live-in startup accelerator, has announced the opening of applications for its Fall 2025 (F25) batch. Founder Dave Font, in a recent social media post, highlighted a significant achievement from their last cohort, stating, > "In our last batch, teams raising after demo day hit an avg valuation of $82M." This claim underscores the program's focus on accelerating high-potential ventures.
HF0, or Hacker Fellowship Zero, positions itself as a unique residency program designed specifically for experienced and "billion-dollar founders." The 12-week program provides a concentrated environment for a select group of technical entrepreneurs to rapidly build and scale their companies. Participants reside at the historic Archbishop's Mansion in San Francisco, fostering an immersive and distraction-free development period.
The accelerator offers a substantial investment of up to $1 million in uncapped funding in exchange for a 5% equity stake. This investment model is supported by HF0's recent $100 million venture fund, which is notably larger than its previous funds. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where participating startups present to a curated group of top-tier investors and industry leaders.
Dave Fontenot, a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient and former founder of Hackathon.io, co-founded HF0 in 2021 with Emily Liu and Evan Stites-Clayton. Fontenot's vision for HF0 is to create a "perfect home" for founders who prefer a focused and intense building period away from public view. His approach emphasizes "subtraction, not addition" in the startup development process, aiming for clarity and rapid innovation.
The reported average valuation of $82 million for teams that successfully raised capital post-Demo Day highlights the program's effectiveness in preparing companies for significant investment rounds. HF0's rigorous environment and direct access to a network of investors aim to fast-track growth and secure substantial funding for its portfolio companies. The opening of applications for the F25 batch signifies continued expansion and opportunity for seasoned entrepreneurs seeking an accelerated path to market success.