41 Best Startup Accelerators & Incubators In San Francisco [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: January 20th, 2022

Are you looking for an accelerator program in San Francisco?

Check out these facts to know why San Francisco always remains at the top when it comes to startups and innovation?

If you're starting a startup in San Francisco, you might be wondering what startup accelerators or incubators exist in the area. Here's the full list:

Startup Accelerators & Business Incubators In San Francisco

#	Accelerator/Incubator	Funding	Location	Apply
1	Alchemist Accelerator	$36K+	San Franc...	Apply
2	Runway	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
3	Sberbank-500 Accelerator	$150K	San Franc...	Apply
4	Mind The Bridge	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
5	Tumml	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
6	Angelpad	$100K	NYC/San F...	Apply
7	Lemnos	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
8	Founder Institute	$200K	Global	Apply
9	i/o Ventures	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
10	Founders Space	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
11	Launch Accelerator	$100K	San Franc...	Apply
12	Blackbox	Not Disclosed	Global	Apply
13	One Traction	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
14	Momentum	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
15	Rocket Space	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
16	Y-Combinator	$125K	San Franc...	Apply
17	Matter	$125K	San Franc...	Apply
18	You Web Incubator	$120K	San Franc...	Apply
19	Orange Fab	$20K	San Franc...	Apply
20	Rock Health	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
21	Nex Cubed	$40K	San Franc...	Apply
22	Google for Startups	Not Disclosed	Global	Apply
23	Venture Archetypes	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
24	Radicand	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
25	Indie Bio	$525K	San Franc...	Apply
26	DG717	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
27	Forum Ventures	$100K	San Franc...	Apply
28	Berkeley Skydeck	$105K	San Franc...	Apply
29	PlugAndPlay	Not Disclosed	Global	Apply
30	Shang Pharma Innovation	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
31	San Francisco Accelerator	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
32	The Rainmakers	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
33	Fashion Incubator San Francisco (FiSF)	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
34	Maxitech	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
35	InnoSpring	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
36	Highway1	$50K-$100K	San Franc...	Apply
37	Founders Embassy	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
38	Launchpad Digital health	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
39	The Canadian Technology Accelerator	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
40	Open Water	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply
41	Vive X	Not Disclosed	San Franc...	Apply

41 Best Startup Accelerators & Incubators In San Francisco [2024]

1. Alchemist Accelerator

Location: San Francisco and Munich
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: $36K+
Program Length: 6 Months

Alchemist Accelerator hosts a venture-backed initiative program that advances the growth & development of early-stage business ventures who monetize money from enterprises. This 6-month program has the world's best team of mentors, industry experts, and investors who provide startups with a structured path to success through tailored curriculum and funding opportunities. They support startups in the verticals such as Industrial IoT, FinTech, Cybersecurity, Climate Tech, and Digital Health.

Apply to Alchemist Accelerator, or learn more ➜

2. Runway

Location: San Francisco and Munich
Industry: Technology Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Runway runs a business program that fuels the growth of tech companies by providing them with innovative consulting services, workspace, and strategies. This incubation and acceleration program works with the mission to bridge the gap between startups and companies and helps them to move forward in the industry. They also provide participants with innovative business programs, executive education about technology and entrepreneurship, and resources for bringing impactful change in the industry.

Apply to Runway, or learn more ➜

3. Sberbank-500 Accelerator

Location: San Francisco, Munich, Moscow
Industry: Technology Industries
Investment Size: $150K
Program Length: 4 Months
Equity Taken: *Not disclosed *

500 Startups offers a flagship seed program that accelerates the growth of startups by offering them tailored programs and resources according to their needs.

This 4-month program provides startups with an investment of $150K, business advice, networking opportunities, structured business curriculum, education on topics like marketing, management, funding, sales, finance, and product design, and hands-on business support.

The accelerator program helps industries in the niche of technology, Al, SaaS, media, and many more.

Apply to Sberbank-500 Accelerator, or learn more ➜

4. Mind The Bridge

Location: San Francisco, Santa Monica, London, Brussels, Pavia, Barcelona, and Cagliari
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 10 Days

Mind the Bridge organizes a business program with the mission is to build a global and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. This program focuses on bridging the gap between corporates and startups and enhance their growth by adding value to the enterprise through innovation. They host a fully customizable immersion program that provides startups with mentoring sessions, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and access to pitching events.

Apply to Mind The Bridge, or learn more ➜

5. Tumml

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Urban Technology
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Tumml hosts a business program that empowers entrepreneurs and helps them solve urban business problems by bringing together communities, corporations, startups, and policy leaders. This program enhances the urban technology innovation system by providing entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding, support, and access to events and workshops.

Apply to Tumml, or learn more ➜

6. Angelpad

Location: NYC/San Francisco
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: $100K
Program: 3 months

AngelPad is a 3-month accelerator program that runs in NYC and San Francisco. AngelPad has been around since 2010 and has launched over 150 companies. The program focuses on finding product-market fit, defining a target market for your startup, and help with fundraising and investor meetings.

Apply to Angelpad, or learn more ➜

7. Lemnos

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Hardware & Software Industry
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Lemnos runs an accelerator program for hardware and software startups serving businesses in the niche of industrial automation, robotics, sensor platforms, intelligent machines, embedded systems, transportation, energy, aerospace, agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality. This program invests in early-stage ventures and helps them ideate their business plans into reality by providing mentorship, networking opportunity, and global working experience.

Apply to Lemnos, or learn more ➜

8. Founder Institute

Location: Global
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: $200K
Program: 4 Months
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Founder Institute is a pre-seed accelerator program for startups and to date, they have successfully launched 5000+ companies worldwide.

They work with entrepreneurs at the early stage of their business startup and help them build a successful company. The Founder Institute invests up to $200K in the startup idea and provides them mentorship from high-class mentors.

Apply to Founder Institute, or learn more ➜

9. i/o Ventures

Location: San Francisco
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

i/o Ventures hosts an early-stage program that provides startups with mentorship, investments, revenue growth opportunities, access to product launch and development events. They have an experienced business team that helps businesses build great products, raise capital, improve business execution, and scale their infrastructure.

Apply to i/o Ventures, or learn more ➜

10. Founders Space

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Fintech, Agtech, Health, Advertising, Big Data, AI, SaaS, etc.
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Founders Space runs a leading accelerator program that provides startups with comprehensive business programs, networking opportunities, co-working space, and access to events and workshops. They also offer valuable business tips, venture capital insights, funding opportunities, and business invitations to the participating startups.

Apply to Founders Space, or learn more ➜

11. Launch Accelerator

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Technology Industries
Investment Size: $100K
Program Length: 15 Weeks

Launch Accelerator hosts an innovative accelerator program that supports founders and inspires innovation. This 15-week program helps startups raise capital, build network community, pitch about their companies to investors, and educate them about business tips & strategies. The current cohort of this program includes companies such as; Deft, Fathom, Jenni, Lrepling, Lama Life, Wearloom, and more.

Apply to Launch Accelerator, or learn more ➜

12. Blackbox

Location: Global
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 2 Weeks

Blackbox runs a business accelerator program that elevates entrepreneurs globally. This program supports them to become strong industry leaders by redefining all the possibilities for their businesses and communities. They host a 2-week Connect program that helps founders craft entrepreneurship, fortify the company's foundation, and amplify their drive. To date, they have assisted 415 entrepreneurs from 62 countries globally and have raised 10,000+ jobs and $435M as funding.

Apply to Blackbox, or learn more ➜

13. One Traction

Location: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston
Industry: Hardware, Software, and Science-based Startups
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 48 Weeks

One Traction hosts an On-Demand Innovation program that enables startups to flourish in the market. They help businesses in emerging technologies such as; artificial intelligence, IoT, blockchain, industry 4.0, crypto, 4D printing, cybersecurity, safety, manufacturing, construction, quantum computing, robotics, space tech, mobility, digital health, agrotech, biotech, and cleantech. This program provides services to startups, corporates, investors, and partners by providing them assistance to build concept development, launch a product, access to business funds, and strategies to scale their businesses in the global market.

Apply to One Traction, or learn more ➜

14. Momentum

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Mobile Startups
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Momentum hosts an accelerator-based funding program that focuses on the growth and investment of mobile startups. To date, they have helped twenty-two mobile companies gain market traction, business relationships, and funding of $120M+. This program focuses on successful funding and exits of the companies.

Apply to Momentum, or learn more ➜

15. Rocket Space

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Mobility Tech and Food + Ag Tech
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 3 Months

Rocket Space is a one-of-its-kind pilot-focused program that transforms industries through collaboration on a global scale by collaborating startups and corporate business leaders. This program is for later-stage startups who want to validate and grow their businesses in the industry. They provide startups with the opportunity to propel their businesses through access to business funds, networking opportunities, customer traction, solutions to solve business challenges, brand & product exposure, and mentorship.

Apply to Rocket Space, or learn more ➜

16. Y-Combinator

Location: San Francisco
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: $125K
Program Length: 12 Months

Y-Combinator runs a business program that works intensively with startup companies for 3-months by providing them funds upto $125K twice a year for investment, mentorship & guidance to get in the best shape, and pitching opportunities in front of potential investors on demo day. The focus of this program is to help startups go through the first business phase successfully. Since 2005, they have funded around 3,000 startups, built a community of 6,000 founders, and have valued companies over $300B. Some of its portfolio companies are; Stripe, Airbnb, Doordash, DropBox, Coinbase, Instacart, Gusto, and many more.

Apply to Y-Combinator, or learn more ➜

17. Matter

Location: San Francisco and New York
Industry: Media Entrepreneurs
Investment Size: $125K
Program Length: 5 Months

Matter runs a business accelerator program and a venture capital firm to support early-stage media entrepreneurs and executives at renowned media institutions. They provide participants with one-on-one business coaching, innovative business projects, workshops, boot camps, innovative business strategies, and assistance to lead cultures of innovation.

Apply to Matter , or learn more ➜

18. You Web Incubator

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Gaming, On-demand Services, Education, and Climate-change
Investment Size: $120K
Program Length: 12 Months

You Web Incubator runs a unique business program to help startups achieve their business goals and empower them through the entrepreneurial tools necessary to succeed in the industry. This program follows a comprehensive go-to-market approach for business startups for getting funding and customer traction. They provide mentorship and assist startups in the niche of gaming, green tech, on-demand services, education, and climate change.

Apply to You Web Incubator, or learn more ➜

19. Orange Fab

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Technology Industries
Investment Size: $20K
Program Length: 3 Months

Orange Fab runs a business program that thrives on connecting ecosystems, making accessible innovations and networking with a team of passionate & forward-thinking team of experts. They inspire entrepreneurs by providing them new business ideas, collaborative opportunities with innovators, access to business insights, and next-gen technology innovations. This program promotes growth opportunities for startups by connecting them with proof-of-concept and investment opportunities.

Apply to Orange Fab, or learn more ➜

20. Rock Health

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Digital Health
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Rock Health organizes a program in the niche of the digital healthcare ecosystem that brings together bright & innovative minds, industry experts, big thinkers, and investors to address and find solutions to the complex healthcare challenges. They provide entrepreneurs with business support, venture funds, imported services, go-to-market planning, business & customer development, strategic business insights, fundraising & networking opportunities, and education & assistance on business issues such as; pricing, marketing, communications, PR, and contracting to improve quality and accessibility of healthcare ecosystem.

Apply to Rock Health, or learn more ➜

21. Nex Cubed

Location: San Francisco, San Diego, and New York
Industry: Digital Health and FinTech
Investment Size: $40K
Program Length: 16 weeks

Nex Cubed runs a business program that helps startups solve complex business challenges and accelerate innovation in the niche of Digital Health and FinTech. They provide startups with customized support, capital, tailored resources, networking opportunities, hands-on guidance, strategic business advice, mentorship, workspace, various perks, and business education to succeed in the industry.

Apply to Nex Cubed, or learn more ➜

22. Google for Startups

Location: Global
Industry: Impactful Businesses
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Varies

Google for Startups organizes one of the world's best accelerator programs that support entrepreneurs and help them create an impact in the industry. This program acts as a global convenor and provides startups with tailored programs, equity-free support, resources, mentorships from Silicon Valley experts, product expertise, access to technical labs, and programming to grow and develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Apply to Google for Startups, or learn more ➜

23. Venture Archetypes

Location: San Francisco
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Venture Archetypes runs a business program or startup consulting firm that helps founders raise capital, build strategic business partnerships, sell startups, provide them business consultation, exit strategy, models & materials for the growth and development of businesses. This program adds value to the startups by playing an active role in helping them flourish in the industry.

Apply to Venture Archetypes, or learn more ➜

24. Radicand

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Innovative Product Businesses
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Radicand hosts a business program that brings innovative products to life by providing innovators and founders cutting-edge technologies, business strategies, resources for the transition of prototype to protection, and technical development assistance for producing first-of-its-kind products. They serve both established tech companies and early-stage startups. This program minimizes risk and helps them achieve their full potential by providing them access to breakthrough innovation, learnings from experienced industry experts and product-design engineers, workshops, and events.

Apply to Radicand, or learn more ➜

25. Indie Bio

Location: San Francisco and New York
Industry: Biotech Industries
Investment Size: $525K
Program Length: 4 Months

Indie Bio runs a business program that provides biotech startup teams with funding of $525K, co-working space, lab space, mentorship, networking opportunities with alumni, investors, and corporate partners. This intense 4-month program trains startups and helps them accelerate their businesses by providing them working experience, bridging the gap between science & money, and helping them build products from prototypes.

Apply to Indie Bio, or learn more ➜

26. DG717

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Innovative Technology Businesses
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

DG717 program in San Francisco is a branch of Digital Garage Group headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. This program focuses on providing businesses with services like finance, marketing, and incubation. They strengthen, localize, expand, and connect with local startups and help them flourish in the industry. DG717 aims to build products and services in the niche of technologies such as; Blockchain, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and Security.

Apply to DG717, or learn more ➜

27. Forum Ventures

Location: San Francisco
Industry: B2B SaaS Companies
Investment Size: $100K
Program Length: 15 weeks

Forum Ventures hosts a program that supports and funds early-stage B2B SaaS startup companies and helps them build great products and flourish in the industry. They also provide guidance, support, networking opportunities, 1:1 mentorship from SaaS experts, pre-seed funding of $100K, and knowledge about product-market fit to ambitious and resilient early-stage founders and assist them to progress and build their dreams.

Apply to Forum Ventures, or learn more ➜

28. Berkeley Skydeck

Location: San Francisco and Berkeley
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: $105K
Program Length: 6 Months

Berkeley Skydeck runs a business program that helps startups succeed by building an extensive network of VCs, customers, and investors. This program is a global hub for entrepreneurship that supports startups founded by students, alumni, and faculty of UC Berkeley and entrepreneurs who want to launch scientific discoveries, groundbreaking technologies in the industry. They provide participants with support, mentorship, guidance, internships, professional development opportunities, scientific research, go-to-market strategies, team-building opportunities, funds up to $105k, and educational sessions.

Apply to Berkeley Skydeck, or learn more ➜

29. PlugAndPlay

Location: Global
Industry: Healthcare Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program: Not Disclosed
Equity Taken: Not Disclosed

Plug and Play Accelerator is a hub for pharma, digital healthcare startups, and enterprise solutions.

Their program connects innovative startups to a global network of healthcare partners, with the main objective of improving patient care & experience and creating a positive impact on the environment.

Plug & Play incentivizes entrepreneurs with cutting-edge technology, digital health innovation, and networking opportunities.

Apply to PlugAndPlay, or learn more ➜

30. Shang Pharma Innovation

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Healthcare Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Shang Pharma Innovation hosts a business program that transforms healthcare ecosystems through early-stage discoveries. They leverage a team of experts and an innovative network to develop transformational healthcare ideas at medical centres and research labs. This program provides participants with strategic investments, partnership opportunities, breakthrough therapeutic technologies, seed & series A funding, incubation services, proofs-of-concept, and equipped laboratory space to build successful companies.

Apply to Shang Pharma Innovation, or learn more ➜

31. San Francisco Accelerator

Location: San Francisco
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 12 Weeks

San Francisco Accelerator program is known as the most successful accelerator program that does not take any equity and is an independent program. This non-profit program provides startups and entrepreneurs with disruptive business models, the pathway to success, business mindset, skills, innovative thinking methods, zero budget marketing, traction & growth methods, funding advice, mentorship, training, networking & connection-building opportunities with investors, and capitalization opportunities.

Apply to San Francisco Accelerator, or learn more ➜

32. The Rainmakers

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Technology and Innovation Businesses
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

The Rainmakers organizes a business program that pushes the boundaries of technology and innovation to build & develop new groundbreaking technologies and fund & support business ventures. This incubation program works with businesses of any verticals & development stage and provides international expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and extensive business knowledge. Some of its portfolio companies are Freetricity, Boost Media, Fanatix, Microsoft, Tango, and many more.

Apply to The Rainmakers, or learn more ➜

33. Fashion Incubator San Francisco (FiSF)

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Fashion Businesses
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 6 Months

Fashion Incubator San Francisco (FiSF) in San Francisco runs a program that supports designers and founders in the niche of the fashion business. This program has an innovative entrepreneurial approach to business growth and development. To date, they have helped more than 36 fashion businesses to scale successfully and created more than 500 jobs by providing participants with mentorship, guidance, individualized support, networking opportunities, customized resources, local insider business tips, exclusive industry news, and access to collaborative events.

Apply to Fashion Incubator San Francisco (FiSF), or learn more ➜

34. Maxitech

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Technology Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Maxitech organizes a business program that translates leading-edge technologies into life-enhancing innovative businesses. They connect startups, enterprises, and ventures with resources, technologies, and people. This program helps startups supercharge their growth by breaking into the market, integrating technologies, providing proof-of-concept, integrating opportunities with enterprise systems, finding solutions, and taking them into the market.

Apply to Maxitech, or learn more ➜

35. InnoSpring

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Technology industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

InnoSpring is a leading accelerator program in San Francisco that brings in cross-border experiences, technologies, co-working space, and operations to accelerate the growth of startups. This program offers top-notch expertise to help young companies and provide them with a fresh perspective and charismatic leadership opportunities. Some of its portfolio companies are Audacy, Agent Desks, Cafe X, Dine Market, Drive AI, Hack Hands, Leap, and many more.

Apply to InnoSpring, or learn more ➜

36. Highway1

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Hardware Startup Businesses
Investment Size: $50K-$100K
Program Length: 4 Months

Highway1 runs a primer hardware accelerator program that provides startups with a roadmap to build successful products. This 4-months program is home to hardware entrepreneurs who are passionate about the brand, design, and customer experience. They provide participants with $50K-$100K as funding, product & business development strategies, product design expertise, mentorship & guidance, acceleration services, manufacturing assistance, and networking and connection-building opportunities.

Apply to Highway1, or learn more ➜

37. Founders Embassy

Location: San Francisco
Industry: International Businesses
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 2 Weeks

Founders Embassy hosts a borderless acceleration program that helps immigrant and international entrepreneurs in the ecosystem of Silicon Valley. They focus on elevating, educating, and inspiring immigrant founders and offer them acceleration programs, leadership opportunities, and access to boot camps and impactful events. They also provide entrepreneurs with fundraising opportunities, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help talented international startups grow and flourish in Silicon Valley.

Apply to Founders Embassy, or learn more ➜

38. Launchpad Digital health

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Digital Health
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Launchpad Digital Health runs a business program that provides funds, support, and guidance to early-stage digital health startup companies. They provide startups with deep expertise, investment to seed and series-B stage companies, and networking opportunities with pharma companies, insurance companies, health systems, and government agencies.

Apply to Launchpad Digital health, or learn more ➜

39. The Canadian Technology Accelerator

Location: San Francisco
Industry: Healthcare Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 12 Months

The Canadian Technology Accelerator hosts a program led by the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco that helps Canada's upcoming health and life science startups to find potential investors, partners, and customers in North California. This program provides access to curated resources, business strategies, the global technology hub at Silicon Valley, proof-of-concept, and the venture capital ecosystem for growth-stage companies. They work with companies in the verticals of biotechnology, digital health, precision medicine, diagnostics, genomics, therapeutics, and medical devices.

Apply to The Canadian Technology Accelerator, or learn more ➜

40. Open Water

Location: San Francisco
Industry: All Industries
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: 12 Weeks

Open Water runs a business program that provides founders with the platform and talent required to move forward in the industry. This 12-week accelerator program supercharges the growth of startups by interviewing them, assigning them a team of experienced designers & mentors, providing them with a roadmap to success, and helping them find the right product-market fit according to the needs of the business.

Apply to Open Water, or learn more ➜

41. Vive X

Location: San Francisco, London, Tel Aviv, Beijing, Taipei, and Shenzhen
Industry: VR, AR, AI and 5G Technologies
Investment Size: Not Disclosed
Program Length: Not Disclosed

Vive X operates an accelerator program that stimulates the success of the XR ecosystem by supporting and guiding startups in the niche of AR, VR, AI, and 5G. This program focuses on transforming how we learn, work, play, and live using these technologies in daily life. They provide founders with networking opportunities with investors & experts, business strategies, technical support, access to partnerships and investment.

Apply to Vive X, or learn more ➜

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Pat Walls