IndieBio (SOSV)2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
SOSV's deep tech pre-seed program with labs in San Francisco and New York, renamed SOSV SF and SOSV NY in 2026. Reported funding is up to about $525K.
- Up to $525K
- Funding
- Not published
- Equity
- About 4 to 6 months
- Program length
- Rolling
- Applications
About IndieBio (SOSV)
IndieBio is the life sciences and deep tech accelerator of SOSV, a venture firm. It opened in San Francisco in 2015 as a biotech program that offered lab space and pre-seed investment to scientists. A New York location followed in 2020. On March 5, 2026, SOSV renamed the two sites SOSV SF and SOSV NY to reflect a wider scope across deep tech, including AI, energy, materials, and chemistry. SOSV says the teams, support, and facilities are unchanged.
The New York site focuses on healthcare and engineering biology, with wet-lab infrastructure and regulatory expertise. The San Francisco site covers the full range of deep tech for founders who want to build near Silicon Valley investors.
IndieBio's record is strong in food and synthetic biology. Alumni include Upside Foods (founded as Memphis Meats), Perfect Day, NotCo, Geltor, and EVERY (formerly Clara Foods). SOSV says IndieBio's 310 graduates from 2015 to 2025 raised $3.6 billion. SOSV's wider active portfolio has more than 800 companies.
SOSV does not publish its investment terms on the site. Third-party reports describe an initial investment of about $250,000 for a single-digit equity stake, with a follow-on tranche that can bring total funding to about $525,000. Founders should confirm current terms directly with SOSV.
What IndieBio (SOSV) looks for
The SOSV application asks why it should choose your company, whether you have patents or other intellectual property, what experience your team has with the technology, and how available the founders are for the program. That points to science-led teams with defensible technology and founders who can commit in person. The New York site favors healthcare and engineering biology. The San Francisco site takes the full range of deep tech. Your current location does not affect the application.
How the IndieBio (SOSV) program works
Teams work from SOSV's lab and office space in San Francisco or New York. SOSV says it has 85,000 square feet of lab, office, and event space across its sites. Founders get access to wet labs, which is the main reason science-based teams choose the program over software accelerators.
SOSV staff with scientific, regulatory, and commercial experience work with each company on technical milestones, business models, and fundraising. Teams are expected to be available to attend in person. SOSV runs investor showcases, such as the SOSV NY Investor Showcase in March 2026, where companies present to investors.
After the program, SOSV can keep investing in later rounds, and companies join an active portfolio of more than 800 SOSV companies. The application form asks which site you want, about intellectual property, and about founder availability.
How to apply to IndieBio (SOSV)
- 1Use the single SOSV application at sosv.com/apply/sosv and choose New York, San Francisco, or both.
- 2Fill in the six sections: contact, company, founders, company details, keep in touch, and disclaimer.
- 3Describe your technology, any patents or IP, and your team's direct experience with the science.
- 4State how available the founders are to attend the program in person.
- 5Add the optional video pitch of up to 5 minutes to show the team and the technology.
- 6Expect SOSV to share basic company information with investors on a confidential basis, as the form states.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable IndieBio (SOSV) alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by IndieBio (SOSV).
IndieBio (SOSV) vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IndieBio (SOSV) | Up to $525K | Not published | San Francisco, CA | Rolling admissions |
| PearX | Up to $2M | ~7% | San Francisco Bay Area | Rolling admissions |
| a16z speedrun | Up to $1M | 10% | San Francisco, CA | November 1, 2026 (5 days left) |
| Village Global | Up to $1M | Not published | San Francisco, CA | Rolling admissions |
| Sequoia Arc | Up to $1M | Negotiated per company | In person | Next deadline not announced yet |
| South Park Commons Founder Fellowship | $1M | 7% | San Francisco, New York City or Bangalore | Next deadline not announced yet |
IndieBio (SOSV) FAQ
When is the IndieBio (SOSV) application deadline?+
IndieBio (SOSV) reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time.
Is IndieBio still running?+
Yes, under new names. On March 5, 2026, SOSV renamed IndieBio's San Francisco and New York sites to SOSV SF and SOSV NY. SOSV says teams, support, and facilities are unchanged. The scope now covers deep tech broadly, including AI, energy, materials, and chemistry, not only biology.
How much does IndieBio invest and for how much equity?+
SOSV does not publish terms on its site. Third-party reports describe about $250,000 upfront for a single-digit equity stake, with a follow-on tranche that can bring total funding to about $525,000. Other listings cite figures up to $550,000. Confirm current terms with SOSV before applying.
Do I need to be based in San Francisco or New York?+
Not to apply. The SOSV form states that your current location does not affect the application. It does ask about founder availability to attend the program, since teams work from SOSV's lab space in San Francisco or New York. The form lets you pick either site or both.
Sources: indiebio.co, sosv.com, sosv.com, sosv.com, elev-x.com, cell.ag