bet on
yourself
bet on
yourself
Alpha backs students and recent grads with up to $250K and fast-tracks exceptional engineers into roles at breakout startups
APPLICATION DEAADLINE: OCT 11.
WHAT'S ALPHA?
WHAT'S ALPHA?
WHAT'S ALPHA?
THE TRACKS
THE TRACKS
THE TRACKS
THE FELLOWSHIP
THE FELLOWSHIP
THE FELLOWSHIP
UPCOMING SPEAKERS AND MENTORS
UPCOMING SPEAKERS AND MENTORS
UPCOMING SPEAKERS AND MENTORS
Marc Andreessen
COFOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Chris Best
FOUNDER & CEO
SUBSTACK
Natalia Kokoromyti
FOUNDER CYBERNETIC PHYSICS [A001, SR007]
ex Stanford Research
Nathan Roll
FOUNDER ORUK [A001, SR007]
ex Stanford Research
Andrew Chen
GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Roland Fryer
FOUNDING GP, EO VENTURES
HARVARD PROFESSOR
Ben Horowitz
COFOUNDER & GP
a16z
Sam Altman
COFOUNDER & CEO
OpenAI
Dylan Field
COFOUNDER & CEO
FIGMA
Jeff Lawson
COFOUNDER & CEO
TWILIO
Adam D'Angelo
COFOUNDER & CEO
QUORA
Rahul Vohra
FOUNDER
SUPERHUMAN AI
Emmett Shear
FOUNDER
TWITCH
Guillermo Rauch
CEO
VERCEL
THE TIMELINE
THE TIMELINE
THE TIMELINE
01
Submit your application
Cohort 2 applications are open now. Apply now.
Cohort 2 applications are open now. Apply now.
Cohort 2 applications are open now. Apply now.
02
Interview
Selected applicants complete a series of live interviews.
03
Founder Track Kickoff
On January 11, the fellowship begins with a retreat where Founder fellows meet one another and the speedrun team.
04
Talent Track Kickoff
On February 8, Talent Track fellows join for a four-week program, meet speedrun portfolio companies and have the opportunity to find the right fit.
05
Fellowship programming
Fellows take part in weekly small-group sessions with speedrun partners and industry leaders, plus social experiences to foster lasting relationships across the cohort.
06
Completion
Both tracks conclude with fellows presenting their work to the speedrun community. Founders receive priority consideration for speedrun, while Talent may join a speedrun startup where there’s a mutual fit.
TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
I come from a family of scientists. I've done research my whole adult life. I thought Alpha was a really good opportunity to actually apply the skills I've learned to make something people can actually use. I moved to the Bay Area for Alpha, and the program brought me some of my closest friends here that I know will last a lifetime.
I received offers to join startups and big tech, but I ultimately wanted to bet on myself and work on the technical projects I'm interested in. During our time in Alpha, we had the space to talk to customers and refine our product around the challenges they were actually facing.
I chose Alpha because I wanted to come to SF and work with people I knew could accelerate my company. The best part has been the late nights and early mornings and getting to talk to the other fellows about the early stages of building a company. I've also enjoyed the support from the entire team, who've been more than happy to give us their all. I wouldn't trade this program for anything.
The reason I was so excited to do Alpha was not only the funding but the mentorship. We're able to work alongside other fellows and the speedrun partners every single day and bounce questions off them. I'm able to text them in the middle of the night and get responses right away. It's been an incredible learning opportunity.
One of the most exciting parts of Alpha has been meeting the other fellows. It's been super motivating. Before Alpha, I'd always worked on startup projects on the side during school. I was really excited by a program where I could dedicate 100% of my time to a problem I'm really excited about and see how much I can get done with full commitment.
I come from a family of scientists. I've done research my whole adult life. I thought Alpha was a really good opportunity to actually apply the skills I've learned to make something people can actually use. I moved to the Bay Area for Alpha, and the program brought me some of my closest friends here that I know will last a lifetime.I come from a family of scientists. I've done research my whole adult life. I thought Alpha was a really good opportunity to actually apply the skills I've learned to make something people can actually use. I moved to the Bay Area for Alpha, and the program brought me some of my closest friends here that I know will last a lifetime.I come from a family of scientists. I've done research my whole adult life. I thought Alpha was a really good opportunity to actually apply the skills I've learned to make something people can actually use. I moved to the Bay Area for Alpha, and the program brought me some of my closest friends here that I know will last a lifetime.
I come from a family of scientists. I've done research my whole adult life. I thought Alpha was a really good opportunity to actually apply the skills I've learned to make something people can actually use. I moved to the Bay Area for Alpha, and the program brought me some of my closest friends here that I know will last a lifetime.
I received offers to join startups and big tech, but I ultimately wanted to bet on myself and work on the technical projects I'm interested in. During our time in Alpha, we had the space to talk to customers and refine our product around the challenges they were actually facing.
I chose Alpha because I wanted to come to SF and work with people I knew could accelerate my company. The best part has been the late nights and early mornings and getting to talk to the other fellows about the early stages of building a company. I've also enjoyed the support from the entire team, who've been more than happy to give us their all. I wouldn't trade this program for anything.
The reason I was so excited to do Alpha was not only the funding but the mentorship. We're able to work alongside other fellows and the speedrun partners every single day and bounce questions off them. I'm able to text them in the middle of the night and get responses right away. It's been an incredible learning opportunity.
One of the most exciting parts of Alpha has been meeting the other fellows. It's been super motivating. Before Alpha, I'd always worked on startup projects on the side during school. I was really excited by a program where I could dedicate 100% of my time to a problem I'm really excited about and see how much I can get done with full commitment.
I come from a family of scientists. I've done research my whole adult life. I thought Alpha was a really good opportunity to actually apply the skills I've learned to make something people can actually use. I moved to the Bay Area for Alpha, and the program brought me some of my closest friends here that I know will last a lifetime.I come from a family of scientists. I've done research my whole adult life. I thought Alpha was a really good opportunity to actually apply the skills I've learned to make something people can actually use. I moved to the Bay Area for Alpha, and the program brought me some of my closest friends here that I know will last a lifetime.I come from a family of scientists. I've done research my whole adult life. I thought Alpha was a really good opportunity to actually apply the skills I've learned to make something people can actually use. I moved to the Bay Area for Alpha, and the program brought me some of my closest friends here that I know will last a lifetime.
FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
>
Who's this for?
You're deeply curious, highly technical, and have a track record of building. Fellows are typically exceptional students or recent graduates.
>
Who's this for?
You're deeply curious, highly technical, and have a track record of building. Fellows are typically exceptional students or recent graduates.
Is Alpha only for software engineers?
Yes. Alpha is exclusively for software engineers. Founder Track participants must be technical builders with a software background, and Talent Track fellows pursue full-time software engineering roles at speedrun portfolio companies. We are not recruiting for other technical disciplines at this time.
Is Alpha only for software engineers?
Yes. Alpha is exclusively for software engineers. Founder Track participants must be technical builders with a software background, and Talent Track fellows pursue full-time software engineering roles at speedrun portfolio companies. We are not recruiting for other technical disciplines at this time.
Do I need to have US work authorization?
Yes, you must have valid authorization to work full time in the United States.
Do I need to have US work authorization?
Yes, you must have valid authorization to work full time in the United States.
Can I apply if I'm a student?
Yes. If you're on the Founder Track, you're expected to work on your idea full-time during the fellowship, and continued full-time commitment is required to be considered for additional investment. If you're on the Talent Track and land a role through the program, you should be prepared to take on a full-time position.
Can I apply if I'm a student?
Yes. If you're on the Founder Track, you're expected to work on your idea full-time during the fellowship, and continued full-time commitment is required to be considered for additional investment. If you're on the Talent Track and land a role through the program, you should be prepared to take on a full-time position.
What are the investment terms?
We have a standard deal for companies accepted to speedrun alpha:
Up to $250K in funding. We invest $150K for 5% upfront in a SAFE and another $100K in your next round within 18 months, so you start your fundraise from a position of strength. Accepted fellows will have the opportunity for additional funding
$1M+ in credits from partners. Alpha companies receive cloud, AI, and software credits worth >$1M, as well as priority access to model providers, app stores, and social platforms. Our credits are often enough to fully defray the cost of building an MVP
We fund right away. We accept startups on a rolling basis, wire immediately upon close, and start working together right away
Long-term partnership. We view this as a long-term partnership so we ask for a right to invest in subsequent financing rounds (a "pro rata" right). In many cases, we've invested millions of additional dollars to support our companies later on
Take care of employees. We ask companies to set aside an option pool for new employees given our focus on helping founders recruit. We can help set up your pool as well as company incorporation as needed
No board seat. We believe founders should control their boards at this stage
What are the investment terms?
We have a standard deal for companies accepted to speedrun alpha:
Up to $250K in funding. We invest $150K for 5% upfront in a SAFE and another $100K in your next round within 18 months, so you start your fundraise from a position of strength. Accepted fellows will have the opportunity for additional funding
$1M+ in credits from partners. Alpha companies receive cloud, AI, and software credits worth >$1M, as well as priority access to model providers, app stores, and social platforms. Our credits are often enough to fully defray the cost of building an MVP
We fund right away. We accept startups on a rolling basis, wire immediately upon close, and start working together right away
Long-term partnership. We view this as a long-term partnership so we ask for a right to invest in subsequent financing rounds (a "pro rata" right). In many cases, we've invested millions of additional dollars to support our companies later on
Take care of employees. We ask companies to set aside an option pool for new employees given our focus on helping founders recruit. We can help set up your pool as well as company incorporation as needed
No board seat. We believe founders should control their boards at this stage
Am I going to be working for a16z?
No. Talent Track fellows who land roles are hired directly by speedrun portfolio companies, not by a16z.
Am I going to be working for a16z?
No. Talent Track fellows who land roles are hired directly by speedrun portfolio companies, not by a16z.
How do I land a role through the Talent Track?
During the four-week program, you'll meet our speedrun startups and engage in hands-on projects with them. If there's a mutual fit, you may be hired directly by the company.
How do I land a role through the Talent Track?
During the four-week program, you'll meet our speedrun startups and engage in hands-on projects with them. If there's a mutual fit, you may be hired directly by the company.
Is there a specific list of participating startups?
Fellows will have opportunities to meet select speedrun portfolio companies based on mutual interest and availability. Participating companies will be shared during the fellowship.
Is there a specific list of participating startups?
Fellows will have opportunities to meet select speedrun portfolio companies based on mutual interest and availability. Participating companies will be shared during the fellowship.
Is the program in person?
Yes. The fellowship is in person in San Francisco, and fellows get access to coworking space at the speedrun office three days a week for the duration of the program.
Is the program in person?
Yes. The fellowship is in person in San Francisco, and fellows get access to coworking space at the speedrun office three days a week for the duration of the program.
I already applied to the speedrun talent network. Am I considered for this program automatically?
No. This program has a separate application process, and you'll need to apply directly to Alpha to be considered.
I already applied to the speedrun talent network. Am I considered for this program automatically?
No. This program has a separate application process, and you'll need to apply directly to Alpha to be considered.
How is compensation determined for fellows who land roles?
Fellows are not compensated for their time in the fellowship. If a fellow lands a role, compensation is set by the hiring startup and varies by position.
How is compensation determined for fellows who land roles?
Fellows are not compensated for their time in the fellowship. If a fellow lands a role, compensation is set by the hiring startup and varies by position.
How many fellows will you admit?
While we don't have a set number, we estimate we will have 40 fellows total across both tracks.
How many fellows will you admit?
While we don't have a set number, we estimate we will have 40 fellows total across both tracks.
Can I apply to both tracks?
Yes. Feel free to apply to both, and we'll help you determine the right path.
Can I apply to both tracks?
Yes. Feel free to apply to both, and we'll help you determine the right path.
Can I apply to the founder track with a team?
Yes, you can build with a team. However, each person must apply individually, so every member of your team should apply on their own and mention who they're building with in the application. And if you don't have a team yet, that's totally fine.
Can I apply to the founder track with a team?
Yes, you can build with a team. However, each person must apply individually, so every member of your team should apply on their own and mention who they're building with in the application. And if you don't have a team yet, that's totally fine.
Who's behind Alpha?
Alpha is built by speedrun. It's run in partnership with Equal Opportunity Ventures (EO Ventures).
Who's behind Alpha?
Alpha is built by speedrun. It's run in partnership with Equal Opportunity Ventures (EO Ventures).
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COHORT 2 APPLICATIONS OPEN SEPTEMBER 2026. SSUBMIT YOUR APP NOW FOR EARLY CONSIDERATION.
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© 2026 ANDREESSEN HOROWITZ. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
COHORT 2 APPLICATIONS OPEN SEPTEMBER 2026. SSUBMIT YOUR APP NOW FOR EARLY CONSIDERATION.