Founder guide · Checked 10 November 2026
STATION F Founders Program: A 15-month accelerator for early-stage startups
The STATION F Founders Program is a 15-month accelerator for early-stage startups. Applications open periodically for batches of up to 25 companies.
By the StartupReader guides desk · 3 min read · Built from 4 official pages and re-checked monthly. Independent; not affiliated with the program.
STATION F Founders Program
- Program duration
- 15 months
- Max companies per batch
- 25
- Equity taken by STATION F
- 1%
- Next application deadline
- Jan 31, 2025
What the founders program offers
The STATION F Founders Program is a 15-month accelerator divided into three phases. Phase 1 is a six-week intensive period for networking, defining objectives, and attending key workshops. Phase 2 is another six weeks focused solely on execution, with no required meetings. Phase 3 spans 12 months, during which startups build their businesses with monthly health checks and self-serve resources.
The program targets three core needs of early-stage founders: building a great team, finding product-market fit, and securing early-stage funding. Workshops and resources are structured around these areas.
Advisors are not assigned; STATION F ensures a mutual fit.
Who can apply
The program is open to early-stage, tech-enabled startups with a full-time team and a minimum viable product (MVP). Each batch has a theme to align resources and community. For example, Batch 3 focused on reinventing health, resources, and productivity, while the Fall 2024 batch emphasized AI-driven solutions in B2B SaaS, fintech, data, and e-commerce.
STATION F looks for founders who stand out in their field, are results-driven, and are committed to building diverse companies from day one. Over 55% of founders in recent batches are repeat entrepreneurs, and 40% of the Fall 2024 batch were women.
What it costs
STATION F takes 1% equity in participating companies.
Batch themes and examples
Each batch has a theme to maximize shared learning. Batch 1 focused on Web 3, Creators Economy, Fintech, and Impact. Batch 2 targeted climate solutions. Batch 3 centered on reinventing health, resources, and productivity, including sub-themes like protecting biodiversity, improving health and wellbeing, reinventing food distribution, building productivity tools, and entering the data era.
The Fall 2024 batch included 18 startups, 14 of which leveraged AI as a core component. Examples include HeronAI (AI for accounting firms), Moustache AI (custom AI for Shopify), and Tranched (embedded asset-based financing).
How selection works
The program is highly selective, with a maximum of 25 companies per batch. Selection is based on the team’s uniqueness, drive for results, and commitment to diversity. STATION F also considers alignment with the batch’s theme.
Applications must include a video submission.
Workspace and community
Startups in the program gain access to STATION F’s campus in Paris, which houses over 65 nationalities. The program fosters batch cohesion through structured phases and shared resources.
Alumni include companies like Crafty (acquired by Talentsoft) and Neoplants.
How the program has evolved
The Founders Program was redesigned in 2022 to address feedback from earlier iterations. The original program had rolling applications and no fixed duration, but this was changed to a structured 15-month format to provide stability and focus.
The program initially supported up to 200 companies but was scaled down to 25 to improve value delivery and cohesion. The peer-to-peer learning model was replaced with structured phases and advisor support.
Step by step
STATION F Founders Program, step by step
Check eligibility and batch theme
Confirm your startup is tech-enabled, has a full-time team, and an MVP. Review the current batch theme on the official STATION F Founders Program page to ensure alignment.
Prepare your application
Gather materials, including a video submission. The video should explain your startup’s mission, traction, and why you’re a fit for the program.
Submit before the deadline
Applications for the next batch close on January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM (CET). Submit your application online via the STATION F website.
Await selection
STATION F reviews applications and notifies selected startups.
Join the program
If selected, the program begins in March 2025.
FAQ
STATION F Founders Program: questions founders ask
Can solo founders apply?
The official pages state that teams must be full-time on their project.
Is the program open to non-French startups?
Yes. The Fall 2024 batch included founders from the US and other countries, and STATION F’s campus hosts over 65 nationalities. The program is open to international applicants.
What happens after the 15 months?
STATION F positions itself as a long-term partner and continues to support alumni.
Are there any fees beyond the 1% equity?
The official pages mention only the 1% equity as a cost.
How competitive is the program?
The program is described as STATION F’s most selective, with a maximum of 25 companies per batch. Over 55% of recent founders were repeat entrepreneurs, indicating a high bar for selection.
Can I apply if my startup is pre-MVP?
No. The official pages state that applicants must already have a minimum viable product (MVP).
Re-checked every month
Hear when STATION F Founders Program changes
Amounts, rules and deadlines move. We'll email you when STATION F Founders Program or programs like it open, close or change, along with our weekly startup brief.
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Coming soonOfficial sources for this guide
Rules and amounts change. Check these before you apply.
- Announcing the new STATION F Founders Program | STATION F — stationf.co
- Applications for STATION F’s Founders Program 2.0 (Batch 3) are now open | STATION F — stationf.co
- With over 55% repeat founders, STATION F Founders Program confirms trend | STATION F — stationf.co
- All Programs | STATION F — stationf.co
How this guide was made: StartupReader wrote it with AI from the official pages above, read on 10 November 2026. Every figure and name in it was checked automatically against those pages, and anything they don't support was left out. It's re-checked every month. It isn't affiliated with the program. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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