Introducing F4 Champions, a new accelerator for founders at the earliest stage.F4 Champions for early-stage foundersEnrollment closesLearn more

F4 Champions Program Agreement

Last updated: June 22, 2026

These terms and conditions (the "Terms") govern your participation in the accelerator program (the "Program") operated by F4 Champions, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Accelerator," "we," "us," or "our"). By enrolling in the Program, you, as an individual (the "Founder"), and the startup entity you represent (the "Startup," and together with the Founder, "you"), agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not participate in the Program.

For purposes of these Terms, "Affiliate" means, with respect to any party, any entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such party.

1. Accelerator Services

The Accelerator will provide you with access to a structured curriculum and related startup development resources (collectively, the "Accelerator Services"), which will include:

(a) a series of educational courses, modules, and workshops covering company building, fundraising, product development, go-to-market strategy, and related topics;

(b) written materials, frameworks, templates, worksheets, exercises, lead lists, and other content (the "Program Content");

(c) interactive guidance, coaching, evaluation, and feedback, delivered remotely and primarily through one or more third-party messaging platforms, by means of a combination of (i) an AI agent that conducts scheduled check-ins and periodic evaluations, (ii) automated, templated, and concierge responses, and (iii) human support from the Accelerator's team, in each case at the Accelerator's sole discretion, together with periodic program-wide broadcasts (collectively, the "Chat Interface"); and

(d) for a select number of Program participants, chosen in our sole discretion (the "Selected Champions"), delivery of a high probability investor lead list including potential lead investors for the Startups seed round identified using our proprietary databases and software (the "Raise IP") and tailored introductions to potential lead investors, and additional consulting, advising, and fundraising support.

(e) from time to time, and at the Accelerator's sole discretion, optional in-person events, gatherings, residencies, and activities, as further described in Section 16 (In-Person Events and Activities); and

(f) access to a community and related forums, channels, groups, events, and introductions, as further described in Section 17 (Community and Member Interactions).

You acknowledge that the Chat Interface relies on artificial intelligence and that outputs may contain errors. The Accelerator Services are provided for educational and developmental purposes only and do not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, or other professional advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions you make, or actions you take, in reliance on the Accelerator Services.

2. Equity Deal

In consideration for the delivery of the Accelerator Services, you agree to the following:

(a) At any time during or in the six month period following the termination of your participation in the Program, we (or our designated Affiliate, including an affiliated investment fund) will have the right (but not the obligation) to invest up to one hundred thousand US dollars ($100,000) in the Startup through the purchase of a standard Y Combinator Simple Agreement for Future Equity (a "SAFE"), using the "Uncapped MFN" version in the form available at https://www.ycombinator.com/documents (the "YC Site").

(b) If you are selected as a Selected Champion and accept the additional fundraising support listed in Section 1(d), in return for the Raise IP, the Startup will issue to the Accelerator (or at our option, an Affiliate of the Accelerator) a SAFE using the "Valuation Cap, No Discount" version in the form available on the YC Site (the "Champion SAFE"). The Champion SAFE will include a "Valuation Cap" of five million dollars ($5,000,000) and a "Purchase Amount" of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). The Startup will sign a receipt confirming that the Champion SAFE is issued in return for the Raise IP and is fully paid. For the avoidance of doubt, the Accelerator will not invest any cash in the Startup in connection with the issuance of the Champion SAFE.

You agree that the consideration listed in this Section 2 is the primary inducement for our delivery of the Accelerator Services, and you agree not to take any action to circumvent its intended effect, including, without limitation, by transferring intellectual property to an Affiliate.

3. Use of Name and Logo

You hereby grant to the Accelerator and its Affiliates a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive right and license to use, reproduce, display, and publish the Founder's name, image, and likeness; any photographs, audio or video recordings, call recordings, and transcripts created in connection with the Program; the Startup's name, trade names, and trademarks; and the Startup's logos, brand marks, and other identifying materials (collectively, the "Marks"), in each case for promotional, marketing, advertising, fundraising, public relations, alumni, portfolio, and similar purposes related to the Accelerator and the Program, including without limitation on the Accelerator's website, in pitch decks, in press materials, in social media posts, and in print and digital collateral. You represent and warrant that you have the right to grant the foregoing license, and that the Accelerator's use of the Marks in accordance with these Terms will not infringe the rights of any third party.

4. Intellectual Property

The Accelerator and its licensors own all right, title, and interest, including all intellectual property rights, in and to the Program Content, the Chat Interface, the underlying models, prompts, software, documentation, and all other materials provided as part of the Accelerator Services. No rights are granted to you other than as expressly set forth in these Terms.

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, the Accelerator hereby grants you a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, non-transferable license to use the Program Content solely for the internal purpose of developing the Startup's business. You shall not use the Program Content for any other purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, you covenant and agree that you will not, directly or indirectly:

(a) copy, reproduce, republish, distribute, transmit, sell, license, sublicense, lease, rent, lend, or otherwise transfer or make available the Program Content to any third party;

(b) post or share the Program Content on any public or third-party platform;

(c) use the Program Content to train, fine-tune, or evaluate any machine learning model or artificial intelligence system; or

(d) modify, adapt, translate, or create derivative works of the Program Content for any purpose other than internal use within the Startup.

You acknowledge and agree that any breach of this Section 4 would constitute a material breach of these Terms, would cause the Accelerator irreparable harm for which monetary damages would be an inadequate remedy, and that, accordingly, the Accelerator shall be entitled to immediate injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain any actual or threatened breach, without the necessity of posting a bond or proving actual damages, in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity.

5. Founder Data; Operation and Improvement of the Services

You acknowledge that the Accelerator operates a proprietary, continuously-learning software platform. You grant the Accelerator and its Affiliates a worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to host, store, reproduce, process, analyze, transcribe, and create derivative works from (a) any information, materials, updates, messages, voice notes, video, links, documents, and other content you submit or that is captured through your participation (including via third-party messaging platforms), and (b) any evaluations, profiles, recaps, scores, summaries, and other outputs the Accelerator generates about you or the Startup (collectively, "Founder Data"), in each case to: (i) operate, provide, and personalize the Accelerator Services; (ii) generate the Raise IP, investor matches, introductions, and other deliverables; and (iii) develop, train, evaluate, and improve the Accelerator's models, databases, algorithms, and software. The Accelerator will use commercially reasonable efforts to use de-identified or aggregated data where reasonably practicable for purpose (iii). As between the parties, you retain ownership of the content you submit, and this Section grants a license and not an assignment; the Accelerator owns the evaluations, scores, and other outputs it generates. This Section survives termination of these Terms.

6. Confidentiality

"Confidential Information" means any non-public information that the Startup or Founder discloses to the Accelerator in connection with the Program and that is either marked as confidential, identified as confidential at the time of disclosure, or that a reasonable person would understand to be confidential given the nature of the information and the circumstances of disclosure.

The Accelerator agrees to (a) use a reasonable degree of care to protect the Confidential Information from unauthorized use or disclosure, and (b) not disclose Confidential Information to any third party except to its employees, contractors, Affiliates, advisors, and service providers who have a need to know and who are bound by obligations of confidentiality at least as protective as those set forth herein.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, you expressly acknowledge and agree that the Accelerator may use and disclose Confidential Information for any purpose related to the promotion or marketing of the Startup as part of the Accelerator's delivery of the Accelerator Services or any services delivered to or on behalf of a Selected Champion, as part of any Arbitration between the parties, or as otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or required by applicable law or regulation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Accelerator may also (a) disclose Founder Data and Confidential Information to prospective investors and to other Program and network participants for the purpose of making introductions, matches, and showcasing the Startup; and (b) disclose Founder Data and Confidential Information to the Accelerator's partners and sponsors (such as banking, cloud-computing, AI, and software providers) to the extent reasonably necessary to provision the perks, credits, onboarding, or benefits you elect to receive. You acknowledge that the Accelerator may receive fees, sponsorship, revenue share, or other compensation from partners and sponsors whose products or services are offered or promoted to Program participants, and that your participation does not require you to accept any partner or sponsor offering.

Confidential Information does not include information that (1) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the Accelerator, (2) is rightfully received by the Accelerator from a third party without obligation of confidentiality, or (3) is independently developed by the Accelerator without reference to the Confidential Information.

7. Term and Termination

These Terms become effective upon your enrollment in the Program and shall continue in effect until the conclusion of the Program cohort or season in which you are enrolled, as designated by the Accelerator (the "Term"), unless earlier terminated in accordance with these Terms. For purposes of Section 2(a), "termination of your participation" means the end of the Term as so determined (or the earlier date on which you withdraw or are removed).

Notwithstanding any termination or expiration of these Terms, the following provisions shall survive: Section 2 (Equity Deal), Section 3 (Use of Name and Logo), Section 4 (Intellectual Property), Section 6 (Confidentiality), Section 8 (Indemnification and Limitation of Liability), Section 9 (Arbitration), and any other provision that by its nature is intended to survive. Section 6 (Confidentiality) shall survive for a period of one (1) year following termination or expiration of these Terms, after which it shall expire and be of no further force or effect.

8. Indemnification and Limitation of Liability

THE ACCELERATOR SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PROGRAM CONTENT AND THE CHAT INTERFACE, ARE PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR ACCURACY.

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ACCELERATOR OR ITS AFFILIATES BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, BUSINESS, GOODWILL, OR DATA, WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF THE ACCELERATOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF THE ACCELERATOR AND ITS AFFILIATES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE ACCELERATOR SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE LESSER OF (A) THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE CONSIDERATION ACTUALLY DELIVERED BY THE STARTUP TO THE ACCELERATOR UNDER THESE TERMS, OR (B) TEN THOUSAND U.S. DOLLARS ($10,000).

You shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Accelerator, its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, advisers, and agents (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, losses, liabilities, damages, judgments, settlements, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by any Indemnified Party arising out of or relating to (i) any actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of the intellectual property rights of any third party by the Startup, the Founder, or any of their Affiliates, (ii) the gross negligence of the Startup, the Founder, or any individual or Affiliate associated with the Startup, or (iii) any reckless or intentional misconduct of the Startup, the Founder, or any individual or Affiliate associated with the Startup.

9. Arbitration; Governing Law

Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Accelerator Services, or the relationship between the parties, including the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, or validity thereof (each, a "Dispute"), shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, and resolved exclusively by final and binding, confidential, individual arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules then in effect.

Prior to initiating arbitration, the party asserting a Dispute (the "Claimant") shall deliver written notice of the Dispute to the other party (the "Dispute Notice"), describing in reasonable detail the nature of the Dispute and the relief sought, signed by the Claimant or a person authorized to bind the Claimant. The Claimant may not file a demand for arbitration with the AAA until at least sixty (60) days after delivery of the Dispute Notice.

The arbitration shall be conducted before a single arbitrator selected in accordance with the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules. The seat of arbitration shall be Seattle, Washington, unless both parties agree to a separate location, a remote arbitration, or a documents-based arbitration. The arbitrator's award shall be final and binding upon the parties, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each party shall bear its own attorneys' fees and costs, except as may otherwise be awarded by the arbitrator.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to protect its intellectual property rights or Confidential Information, including without limitation as contemplated by Section 4.

BY ACCEPTING THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY CLASS ACTION.

10. Amendments

We may unilaterally amend these Terms from time to time, and any amendment will automatically become effective and binding on you ten (10) business days after we notify you of the amendment, unless you withdraw from the Program within that period of time; provided that we will not amend Section 2 (Equity Deal) in a manner that increases the investment or equity rights granted to us with respect to your then-current enrollment without your consent.

11. Entire Agreement

These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding your participation in the Program, and supersede all prior communications or agreements regarding the Program.

12. Severability

If any term or provision of these Terms is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of these Terms or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify these Terms so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

13. No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right in these Terms is not a waiver of that right, and does not affect our ability to enforce that right on an ongoing basis.

14. No Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without our express written consent.

15. Notices

You may send any notices required in these terms to [email protected], and we may send any notices to the email address that we have for you on file.

16. In-Person Events and Activities

From time to time the Accelerator may offer optional in-person events, gatherings, residencies, or activities (collectively, "Events"). Attendance is voluntary. You are responsible for your own travel, lodging, insurance, and related costs unless the Accelerator expressly agrees otherwise in writing. You assume all risks associated with attending any Event, and to the maximum extent permitted by law, the Accelerator and its Affiliates will not be liable for any injury, illness, loss, or damage to person or property arising from your participation in an Event. You agree to comply with any code of conduct or venue rules applicable to an Event, and the Accelerator may remove you from any Event for non-compliance.

17. Community and Member Interactions

The Accelerator may make available to participants, including at certain Program tiers, access to a community and related forums, channels, groups, events, and introductions through which you may interact with other founders, mentors, partners, and third parties (collectively, the "Community"). Participation in the Community is voluntary.

You acknowledge and agree that:

(a) any interactions, communications, relationships, or dealings between you and any other member of the Community or any other third party are solely between you and that person or entity, and the Accelerator is not a party to them;

(b) the Accelerator does not control, vet, verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for the conduct, statements, advice, content, or actions of any other member or third party, whether occurring online or in person;

(c) you are solely responsible for your own conduct and for evaluating, and bearing the risks of, any interaction, advice, collaboration, or business, financial, or personal dealing you enter into through the Community; and

(d) to the maximum extent permitted by law, the Accelerator and its Affiliates will not be liable for any loss, harm, injury, dispute, or damage of any kind arising out of or relating to your interactions with any other member of the Community or any third party, including any content they share or advice they give, and you release the Indemnified Parties from any claims arising from such interactions.

The Accelerator may, but is not obligated to, moderate the Community, and may remove any member or content at its sole discretion.

By enrolling in the Program, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.