Next Cohort Starts in May 2024.
Apply now!

HZN is an 8 week equity-free accelerator that provides multi-faceted support for early stage Web3 projects

Program Benefits

HZN is an exclusive learning community for founders that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities within the web3 space. What we're offering is more than just another program; it's a roadmap tailored for Web3 founders.

Cohort-based Learning

Benefit from peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and support, all facilitated by NEAR's experienced community managers.

Expert-led Sessions

We offer exclusive masterclasses with industry leaders like Illia Polosukhin (NEAR), Paul Hsu (Decasonic), Richard Muirhead (Fabric Ventures), and Michael Kelly (Open Forest Protocol)

Networking Opportunities

Join exclusive in-person founder retreats, attend local meetups, and participate in virtual co-working days for a blend of online and IRL engagement.

Access Exclusive Perks

Claim valuable offers from our 20+ vendor partners, including discounts, credits, and free trials tailored to Web3 startups.

Product Audits from UX Experts

These audits will assess the quality of your user research, product design, and provide valuable recommendations to enhance your user journey.

Curated Learning Resources

Quickly find the resources you and your team need to level up on areas critical to growth and success

Even more benefits are coming

Am I the right fit for HZN?

We encourage everyone to apply but we specifically are on the look-out for projects that are in the idea-stage, seed-stage or talented builders that are still looking for their next venture. Not sure if you're a right fit? Apply now and find out!

  • Idea-Stage Founders

    If you're pre-launch or actively building a product on Testnet, particularly if you haven't yet chosen a chain and are considering NEAR, HZN will propel your journey.

  • Seed-Stage Founders

    Seed+ projects who are actively building their project, fundraising, or looking for top talent, will find immense value in HZN's networking, mentorship, and strategies.

  • Talented Builders

    Professionals at web3 projects seeking to network, looking for their next role, or a co-founder for a new venture will find HZN to be a platform to connect with like-minded professionals and potential co-founders.

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We are looking for Founders and Projects eager to make an impact in the web3 space. Join us!

Apply to HZN
Nadir Chaudhry

Nadir Chaudhry

Founder/CEO

TENAMINT

Ali Sammour

Ali Sammour

Founder

Droplinked

Jerry Chien

Jerry Chien

CEO and Cofounder

Gravvity AI

Rebecca Allen

Rebecca Allen

CEO & Co-Founder

Contented

Anna Stoilova

Anna Stoilova

Co-founder & CEO

Rogues Studio

Kenny Johns

Kenny Johns

Founder

Ample

Orrin Campbell

Orrin Campbell

CEO & Founder

QSTN

Tatiana Yakushkina

Tatiana Yakushkina

CEO

vSelf

Yuri Kaplan

Yuri Kaplan

CTO

Gravvity

Ked Cole

Ked Cole

Founder, CEO

Activelink

Akshay Gupta

Akshay Gupta

CEO & Founder

Bit Happier Inc.

Good accelerators provide a programme to cover the full spectrum of knowledge that every founder needs - from marketing to fundraising, and everything in between. NEAR Foundation’s Horizon HZN 1 Programme is such a programme, and we at Rogues Studio have been lucky to be part of it's first ever cohort, HZN 1.
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Anna Stoilova Co-Founder & CEO @ Rogues Studio
Been a real pleasure getting to learn while growing Ample through the NEAR HZN1 program. The access to the team, support and group feedback has been a huge value add for our project. Having AMAs and presentations on token modeling, demo days, fundraising and UX research with vetted industry players specifically has been invaluable.
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Kenny Johns Founder/CEO @ Ample
Being selected to participate in the first HZN cohort has truly been a privilege. The HZN team has been incredible and all the teams have amazing projects and have been super collaborative. At Gravvity AI we’re truly excited to help bring web 3 mainstream via our gamified swipe to shop e-commerce platform. Hope this works!
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Jerry Chien EO & Co-Founder @ Gravvity
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Next Cohort Starts in May 2024.
Apply now!

Frequently asked questions

What is NEAR Horizon?

NEAR Horizon (HZN) is an equity-free accelerator program for web3 Founders. HZN facilitates three cohorts annually with batches of 15-20 Founders per cohort, ranging from idea-stage to seed stage. Founders will receive mentorship, 1:1 technical support, and tactical education on how to scale a project - all equity free. HZN has 50+ alumni projects like Gravvity, Quest, Plato, Shard Dog, Contented and Solaire that have gone on to raise over $20M in combined external capital.

What all is included in HZN?

HZN is a comprehensive program for founders that includes cohort-based learning, expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, product audits, a "Ready-to-Raise" bootcamp, Catalyst mentorship program, and more. All these components are designed to provide you with the knowledge, connections, and skills to scale your startup successfully in the Web3.

How long is HZN?

HZN cohorts run for 8 weeks and include interactive sessions with industry experts. This is followed by Demo Days, where HZN Founders have the opportunity to pitch their product to an open audience including other NEAR ecosystem projects, potential investors and anyone interested in joining future cohorts.

When does the cohort start?

We offer three cohorts per year. Cohorts begin in January (Winter), May (Summer), and October (Fall). Applications are open year-round, with each cohort having specific application deadlines. Please refer to the application for information on the specific deadline based on the cohort you are applying for.

What is the time commitment?

Participation in HZN requires a time commitment of 4-6 hours per week. This includes attending sessions, engaging in discussions, working on challenges and projects, and participating in other program elements.

How much does HZN cost?

HZN is an equity-free program. We do not make an investment or take equity in participating startups. The program, designed to support and elevate early-stage Web3 founders, is completely free of charge for HZN.

How does the admissions process work?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Once submitted, there is an initial internal review by the Horizon Team. Once this is complete, an interview is scheduled to ensure there is a mutual fit. Once participation is confirmed, Founders will be prompted to create a profile on Horizon and will be invited to join our communications channels and calendar access is provided.

Still have questions?

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