What is ODF?

Who should apply?

Cost of participation

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. Check out our announcement video on X and LinkedIn.

What you contribute covers the weeklong intensive in San Francisco and access to the digital community. Our suggested contribution is $1,000 USD.

Membership Benefits

When you join ODF, you get:

✅  One week of onboarding alongside 80+ high-momentum founders

✅  Access to the ODF community, including 2,500+ alumni and 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

Time Commitment

You must attend the week-long event in San Francisco to join the community.

You decide how much time you invest in ODF. You’ll have access to an online community, programming, and IRL events.

The first week is an intensive, in-person experience. You must commit to being in SF for the majority of the one-week intensive.

How much time you invest in ODF for the rest of the year is up to you. You’ll continue to have access to a vibrant online community.

Living in SF

You don’t need to live in SF, 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 can’t make the dates work, you can defer your admission to a future cohort- just know you’ll be asked to interview again to make sure the program still makes sense for you.

International Founders

We welcome international founders to apply and join our community. ODF alumni have used the one-week onboarding and online support network to start a company in the US. If you’re not planning to sell to US customers or move there long term, ODF might not be a fit.

Confidentiality

Participation is held in strict confidence. You are requested to respect the privacy of other members who aren’t ready to make their plans public, even if you’re happy to share.

ODF Admissions process

• Interested candidates should begin by submitting a written application, found here.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Some candidates will receive an invitation to an asynchronous video interview.
• Video interviews should not require formal prep, and you can rerecord your submission as many times as needed.
• There are three questions in the video interview, which should be completed within 72 hours.
• Video interview submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates will receive an update on the status of their submission within one week.

• A small number of candidates will advance to a 10-minute live interview, conducted with a member of the ODF team.
• Be prepared to discuss your previous work experiences, your future goals, and how ODF can help you get there.
• There will be time to answer any of your outstanding questions, if needed.
• Please be concise in your answers, as interviews are brief and we want to learn as much about you as possible!
• Candidates will receive an update on their status within one week.
• The ODF Admissions team meets once a week to discuss candidates that have finished their interviews, and to align on an outcome.

• A second interview with a member of the ODF team might be needed to reach a final decision on your application.
• Receiving a second interview is not a negative or positive signal — sometimes we simply run out of time during the first interview.
• The length, content, and structure of the second interview is similar to the first interview.
• Candidates will receive an update on their status within one day of a second interview.

• If you receive an offer — congratulations!
• You will have up to 7 days to respond to your offer. Because ODF is over-demanded, we cannot guarantee your spot beyond this deadline.

Additional Questions: