FAQ

We invest up to $1M in your startup, add $10M+ in credits, and help you with capital, customers, and talent as you build. The in-person part is the residency: twelve weeks of firesides, practitioner sessions, office hours, and events at our San Francisco office, alongside other founders building at the same stage.

Twice a year, both in San Francisco. SR008 starts in February 2027. SR009 starts in late July 2027, with Demo Day on October 5, 2027.

Recent residencies have had 70 to 80 companies. Fewer than 0.4% of applicants are accepted.

Your investing partner and the wider speedrun team, about 40 people. Around eight are investors, and the rest are operators who help with go-to-market, talent, marketing, fundraising, and more.

We invest in founders across almost every sector, from AI and robotics to fintech, consumer, B2B, security, and more. What matters most to us is the team, not the category. If you’re building something you believe in, we’d love for you to apply.

The alpha fellowship invests up to $250K plus credits in students, recent grads, and dropouts who are still finding their idea, product, or team. speedrun invests up to $1M in founders who are already building, or further along in their careers, with an idea, a product, and a team.

Yes. You'll have an investing partner who knows your company, plus a team of about 40 people focused on helping companies at your stage with capital, customers, and talent.

Very early. An idea, a prototype, or an early product, with a team that's already building. We've backed founders before they left their jobs. If you're a student, recent grad, or dropout who's still finding your idea or your team, the alpha fellowship may be a great fit.

You can apply at speedrun.a16z.com/apply. Applications for the SR008 residency are open October 12 through November 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT. If you miss the window, don't worry. You can still apply, and we'll review your application for the next residency.

Absolutely. You can apply to speedrun as a solo founder. We value founders who show they can build from scratch and work through challenges on their own. That said, because scaling a startup is complex, we generally prefer teams with multiple founders who bring complementary skills. If you're a solo founder with a strong track record of execution, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Yes. We aim to be the first check into your company, but we also accept early-stage companies that have already raised capital.

Yes, please do. We aren't able to re-review a team within the same application window, but early-stage companies change quickly. Keep building, and apply again for a future residency with what's new. Many founders we've backed were accepted on a later application.

Absolutely. Capital is only one part of what we do. We also help with customers, through GTM support and introductions to executives, and with talent, through the Talent Network and hiring support. And you'll be building next to other founders at the residency.

We back teams that can build and iterate on their product themselves, which usually means having a technical cofounder or equivalent expertise on the founding team. If you're not technical, we'd encourage you to find a partner who can help bring your vision to life, then apply together.

We'd suggest focusing on your strongest idea. One clear application helps us understand your vision, and it gives you the best shot.

Yes, you can apply. During the residency, we ask for about one day a week in person at our San Francisco office for sessions, office hours, and events. Outside of that, we expect you to be building your startup full-time. If you're a student who's still finding your idea or team, the alpha fellowship may be a better fit right now.

We look for founders who go from zero to one without waiting for permission, move quickly, and have unique insight into their market. We care about complementary skills on the team and early signs that people want what you're building, though traction isn't required. We spend most of our time on the team and bio section, so tell us who you are. There's more in What we look for in applications.

Yes. We evaluate every team on its own merits, and overlap in ideas isn't a barrier. What matters most is your approach, your team, and how you execute. We try to avoid direct conflicts, but ideas evolve quickly at this stage, so we may invest in more than one company in the same category through speedrun.

No. Applying to speedrun is free.

We'd love to, but with the number of founders who reach out, we're not able to review ideas over email. The application is the best way to get a real look from our team, and there's no downside to applying.

You don't need to. We invest very early, and we've backed founders before they left their jobs. If you know who you want to build with, you have most of what you need to apply.

Yes. Traction doesn't have to be a number. We're looking for momentum of any kind: users coming back, a design partner, a growing waitlist, or how quickly you're shipping.

Not at all. We're not judging production quality. We just want to hear from you in your own words, so please speak to the camera yourselves rather than using an AI-generated voice.

It isn't a dealbreaker. What matters most is the time you've spent building together, so tell us about what you've made as a team.

Great question. Email us at sr-team@a16z.com and we'll help you figure out whether speedrun or the alpha fellowship is the right fit.

Yes, you can still apply. If we invest, we can help you set up your company. For questions about your specific situation, email us at sr-team@a16z.com.

Yes, and we’d love to hear from you. Every situation is a little different, so email us at sr-team@a16z.com with a bit about your company and we’ll talk it through.

We know waiting is hard. Every application is read by a person, and we aim to get back to you within 4 to 6 weeks. If we move forward together, we aim to close within about two weeks so you can get back to building.

We wish we could. Because we receive so many applications, we're not able to give individual feedback. We've shared what our investors look for in What we look for in applications, and we hope it helps if you apply again.

We review applications on a rolling basis, and every one is read by a person. If we’d like to learn more, we may invite you to send a short video pitch, join a 15-minute interview, or both. We respect your time, so interviews start and end on schedule. Afterward, we may ask for a few more details, and we aim to get back to you quickly.

You can check your status anytime at speedrun.a16z.com/application-login. Every application is read by a person, so it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, and sometimes a little longer during busy periods. Updates can land in spam, so it's worth checking there too.

Yes. We aim to reply to every applicant, whatever the decision. If it's been more than 6 weeks, please check your status page and spam folder, and if you still don't see anything, email us at sr-team@a16z.com.

This is usually a short system delay, especially near a deadline. Please give it 24 hours, then check your status page. Only completed applications appear there. If you still don’t see anything after 24 hours, please email us at sr-team@a16z.com.

Don't worry, your deck went through. This is a known display issue with our upload tool, and your deck and the rest of your application are being received.

Sorry about that. It usually means your network or browser is blocking the form. Trying a different browser, clearing your cache, or switching to a mobile hotspot usually fixes it.

No problem, this happens. We're not able to change the email on an existing application, so please submit a new one with the right address, then send a quick note to sr-team@a16z.com so we know which one to review.

Congrats on the progress, and we'd love to hear about it. You can't edit an application once it's submitted, but you can email new traction, an updated deck, or a demo to sr-team@a16z.com, and we'll share it with the investors reviewing your application.

We know that's disappointing, and we're grateful you applied. We review each team once per application window, so we're not able to re-review this cycle. Please don't let it stop you. Many founders we've backed were accepted on a later application, and we'd be glad to see yours again for a future residency.

Of course. Email sr-team@a16z.com from the address you applied with, and we'll help.

It's a fair question. By the time we talk, we've already spent real time with your application, so the interview builds on that. Think of it as a conversation, not a test.

Our standard deal is up to $1M: $500K for 10% upfront on a SAFE, and up to an additional $500K in your next qualifying round ($2M+) within 18 months. Our current standard deal does not include a board seat. We ask for pro rata rights in future rounds and for an option pool for your early hires. Your investing partner will walk you through every detail before you sign.

Through the speedrun Marketplace, you get access to $10M+ in credits from 200+ partners: cloud providers, model providers, and the software you use every day. For many companies, that goes a long way toward early costs. Credits unlock once your investment is wired. Amounts and terms are set by each partner and can change.

Most founders wait until Demo Day, when the room is full of investors and you have twelve more weeks of progress to show.

No. The residency lasts twelve weeks, but we see this as a long-term partnership. We invest another $500K in your next round (subject to terms), and we ask for pro rata rights so we have the option to keep investing as you grow.

Generally, speedrun writes the first check and doesn’t lead seed rounds. Under our standard deal, up to an additional $500K may go into your next round, and our team helps you prepare to raise it.

We generally offer our standard deal rather than negotiate individual terms. It keeps the process fair and simple for everyone, and it's part of how we're able to move quickly.

Good question. Your investing partner will walk you through this before you sign. If you'd like to understand it sooner, email us at sr-team@a16z.com.

For the residency, yes. The twelve weeks happen in person at our San Francisco office, because that's where the founders, speakers, and events are. You don't need to move your company permanently. If you're coming from outside the US, Build in America can help with visas, banking, and housing.

The residency is twelve weeks of firesides, practitioner sessions, office hours, and events at our San Francisco office in North Beach. It opens with a founder retreat and closes with Demo Day. The SR008 residency runs February 1 to April 18, 2027, with the founder retreat February 2 to 4 and Demo Day on April 13. You'll also have desk access at the office for about six months around it.

We ask every founder to join four key moments: the founder retreat, Progress Day, First Look Demo Day, and Demo Day. Beyond those, come to firesides, practitioner sessions, and office hours as often as you can, since that’s where most of the value is. Life happens. If you need to miss something, let your investing partner know and we’ll help you catch up.

You're a speedrun founder for life. Your investing partner, the Marketplace, the Talent Network, and the community stay with you. Office access is the only thing that ends six weeks after your Demo Day.

The residency refers to your time working from our San Francisco office, with desks, sessions, and events. Housing isn't included. If you're coming from outside the US, Build in America can help you find a place.

Office space during the residency is for founders. We know team members are a big part of your company, and we're sorry we can't host everyone.

About six months. For SR008, office access opens November 9, 2026 and closes May 28, 2027, six weeks after Demo Day.

The residency is designed to be in person and full-time in San Francisco, since that's where most of the value comes from. If you have a specific constraint, please email us at sr-team@a16z.com before you apply, and we'll talk it through.

Absolutely, and we hope you do. Once you’ve joined speedrun, you’ll get access to our official logos and brand guidelines. If you have any questions, our team is happy to help.

Founders present to thousands of investors in San Francisco and online. SR008 Demo Day is Tuesday, April 13, 2027. It's built to set up your seed or Series A, and the fundraising team helps you prepare.

We ask every founder to present at Demo Day. When you raise is your decision. If Demo Day isn't the right moment, for example because you're building hardware on a longer timeline, talk to your investing partner and we'll help you plan the timing that works for your company.

Yes. Our fundraising team helps you prepare, Demo Day gives you a room full of investors, and under our standard deal, up to an additional $500K may go into your next round.

Many companies are still in stealth during the residency, so out of respect for them we don't publish the full list. We share the presenting companies as Demo Day gets closer.

Every company's path is different, so we don't publish a typical raise. If it would help your decision, email us at sr-team@a16z.com.

Nothing. You get access to the Talent Network of 171,000+ people, support from our talent and people team as you grow, and a free Ashby instance for six months. Our team has sourced 250+ hires for speedrun companies so far.

Yes, and we'd love to meet you. Founders have joined speedrun from 20+ countries. If you're accepted, Build in America helps you get set up here, with immigration counsel, banking, housing, and a community of founders who've made the same move.

Through SR Insiders, a network of 150+ C-suite founding members and 1,000+ executives and operators open to meeting early companies. There’s also AI Faire, a full day of live demos for buyers, and Tech Week, where you can meet customers and partners in person. Launch Lab helps you get your product in front of people, and Brand Lab helps you shape how you show up to customers from day one.

Our talent team is always adding to the Talent Network, now 171,000+ people, so you can find great candidates. 250+ hires have been sourced through it so far. The team can also help with people and HR questions as you grow, and you get Ashby free for six months.

In most cases, we'd recommend planning for one. Visa rules depend on your situation, and border policies change, so it's best to start early. If you're accepted, Build in America will connect you with immigration counsel to find the right option for you.

Visa support through speedrun is focused on founders. If you have questions about your team, email us at sr-team@a16z.com and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.

It depends on your status and your school, so we'd like to understand your situation first. Email us at sr-team@a16z.com and we'll connect you with the right person.

You can apply for access to the speedrun investor platform on our Partnerships page. Access is limited to accredited investors. Members can attend Demo Day in San Francisco or online and request meetings with presenting companies.

You can apply to SR Insiders for early access and introductions, or register interest for the next AI Faire, a full day of live demos. Both are on our buyers and executives page.