Apply to the HAE Accelerator

Turn your vision into a scalable venture

The Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Accelerator powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures is an intense, 10-week, virtual program helping alumni founders shift from gaining traction to investor readiness. We’ll help you identify and make the strategic shifts needed to stand out.

Developed in partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures, a leading Silicon Valley venture capital firm, the HAE Accelerator is built by investors who know what it takes to scale. Selected startups gain access to world-class mentors, seasoned industry experts and an investor network at both HAE and Pegasus Tech Ventures. Each cohort culminates in Demo Day, where the top venture is fast-tracked to the HAE Startup World Cup to join the global competition for $1 million USD.

1. Submit Online Application
   Complete the online form and provide all required materials before the deadline, December 5, 2025.

2. Upload Pitch Deck
   Include your most current investor deck (PDF format preferred).

3. Submit a 1-Minute Team Introduction Video
   Introduce your team, problem, and vision. Keep it concise and authentic.

4. (Optional) Product Demo Video
   Showcase your prototype, beta, or customer traction if available. These may be emailed to accelerator@harvardae.org and be sure you include your company’s name in the file name.

We are accepting applications for the 2026 HAE Accelerator through December 5, 2025.

Our selection committee evaluates each application based on:

1. Problem Clarity: Is it significant and well-defined?

2. Market Potential: Size, reach, and scalability.

3. Competitive Advantage: How the solution differentiates itself.

4. Team Strength: Capability, experience, and commitment.

5. Traction: Customer validation, pilots, or early revenues (if applicable).

Participants must:

• Attend all live virtual sessions.

• Meet regularly with lead mentors.*

• Complete assignments and pitch rehearsals.

• Adhere to program deadlines.

• Represent HAE with professionalism and integrity.

*Each startup is matched with two Lead Mentors and may be assigned specialized Advisors for targeted areas such as fundraising, operations, or go-to-market.

Founders are required to meet with their mentors at least bi-weekly and with their advisors at least three times throughout the program.

To qualify for the HAE Accelerator, you must meet these eligibility criteria:

• At least one founder must be a degree-granted Harvard University alumnus/alumna.

• The venture must have an operating product, prototype, or defined MVP.

• Founders must be working full-time (or near full-time) on the startup.

• The startup must demonstrate potential for scale and measurable impact.

• Teams must commit to attending all live sessions and mentor meetings.

• Open to alumni-founded companies from any industry and all geographies.

• Companies must have a CEO and at least one other founder fluent in English. 

• Applicants (all alumni founders) must be members of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs ($55/yr).

By submitting an application, applicants agree to the following:

• Language: All application materials must be submitted in English.

• Accuracy: Information provided must be complete and truthful.

• Ownership: All submissions remain the intellectual property of the applicant; however, HAE and Pegasus Tech Ventures may reference submitted materials for internal evaluation and promotional purposes.

• Confidentiality: Information shared in the application process is reviewed by the HAE and Pegasus selection committees and will not be shared externally without consent.

• Eligibility Determination: HAE reserves the right to verify alumni status and eligibility.

• Program Rights: HAE may modify program details, session structure, or deadlines at its discretion.

• Publicity: Selected ventures agree to participate in HAE promotional materials, case studies, and public announcements.

Questions?

Join one of our upcoming Virtual Info Sessions, or email accelerator@harvardae.org for assistance.

• October 30, 2025 - Register for the 2026 Accelerator Info Session with Bill Reichert

• November 13, 2025 - Register for the 2026 Accelerator Info Session