vs
South Park Commons vs On Deck Founders (ODF)
Founders often weigh South Park Commons against On Deck Founders (ODF). Here's how the two compare on money, terms, format and selectivity — and how to decide.
Side by side
| South Park Commons | On Deck Founders (ODF) | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | — | — |
| Equity | — | — |
| Instrument | Varies | Varies |
| Program length | — | — |
| Location | San Francisco | SF / Remote |
| Remote | No | Yes |
| International founders | Accepted | Accepted |
| Stages | Pre-idea | Pre-idea, Pre-seed, Seed |
| Applications | Rolling | Rolling |
| Cohort size | — | ~100 |
| Acceptance rate | ~5% | ~10% |
| Questions on the form | 11 | — |
Terms change between batches — confirm on each program's official site before applying.
Key differences
- On Deck Founders (ODF) can be joined remotely; South Park Commons expects you in San Francisco.
- South Park Commons is more selective (about 5% accepted vs 10%).
Choose South Park Commons if…
Community + small checks. For founders still exploring.
Not a traditional accelerator — it's a community for people between things. Explore ideas with smart peers, get small checks when ready. Many SPC members go on to raise from top VCs.
How to apply to South Park Commons →Choose On Deck Founders (ODF) if…
Founder fellowship. Top VC intros via network.
Founder fellowship connecting you to top VCs and other founders. Great for co-founder matching and getting warm intros. Alumni have raised from Sequoia, a16z, Founders Fund.
How to apply to On Deck Founders (ODF) →FAQ
Is South Park Commons better than On Deck Founders (ODF)?
Neither is better for everyone. On Deck Founders (ODF) can be joined remotely; South Park Commons expects you in San Francisco. South Park Commons is more selective (about 5% accepted vs 10%). Choose by stage, sector, location and the terms you can accept — or apply to both.
Can I apply to both South Park Commons and On Deck Founders (ODF)?
Yes. Applying to several programs is normal, and many founders run applications in parallel. Most of the material — one-liner, traction, team, market — carries over between forms.
Which is harder to get into, South Park Commons or On Deck Founders (ODF)?
Both are selective. Estimates put South Park Commons at about 5% and On Deck Founders (ODF) at about 10% of applicants accepted. Neither publishes exact figures.
Why choose? Draft both applications from one profile.
Start freeMore comparisons
- Y Combinator (YC) vs Techstars
- Y Combinator (YC) vs a16z Speedrun
- Y Combinator (YC) vs 500 Global
- Y Combinator (YC) vs PearX (Pear VC)
- Y Combinator (YC) vs Sequoia Arc
- Y Combinator (YC) vs Entrepreneurs First (EF)
- Y Combinator (YC) vs South Park Commons
- a16z Speedrun vs PearX (Pear VC)
- a16z Speedrun vs a16z START
- Techstars vs 500 Global
- Techstars vs Plug and Play
- Techstars vs Alchemist Accelerator
- Entrepreneurs First (EF) vs Antler
- Seedcamp vs Entrepreneurs First (EF)