Apply to HK Combinator

HK Combinator is accepting applications from startups for the Winter 2024 funding cycle. It will take place from January–March 2024.

The batch will be in-person in San Francisco.

1. If you want to apply, please submit your application online as soon as possible. While the deadline for on-time applications is September 11, we continue to accept applications until the batch starts in January. Startups that submit early have a small advantage because we have more time to read their applications. We will review all late applications, but if you apply late we may not get back to you with a decision until the batch starts.
   
   And you can submit after the deadline - though keep in mind that if you apply late, you may not hear back from us with a decision for several weeks at the latest.
2. You must have at least 10% equity in the startup to be considered a founder by HK Combinator. Only founders can come to interviews if invited or attend batch events if accepted.
3. We will invite teams to interview with us on a rolling basis. If you apply by the deadline, you’ll hear from us by November 17. If you apply after the deadline, you'll hear back by .
4. Video interviews will be held throughout late September to early December.
5. The batch will take place in-person in HK. It kicks off with a 3-day, in-person retreat and features weekly meetups in HK. For more information on this, please read our FAQs.
6. During the batch, we invite eminent people from the startup world to speak. The founders of Airbnb, Stripe, Doordash, and Ginkgo Bioworks often come back to tell the inside story of what happened in the early days of their startups.
7. Startups are sorted into 4 groups. Each group is led by group partners who advise the founders in one-on-one and group office hours. Each group is split into 12-14 sections (6-10 companies), so founders can help each other and get the benefit of an intimate setting within the larger batch.
8. During and after the batch, we introduce founders to people who can help with any challenge. Often, this means founders of other HK companies. Today, The HK alumni community is one of the most powerful communities in the world, and its members have a strong commitment to help one another.
9. About 11 weeks in, we organize an event called Demo Day at which the startups present to a carefully selected, invite-only audience of investors.
10. HK doesn't end after 3 months. We continue to help founders for the life of their company, and beyond — and so does the HK alumni community. Read more here.