FAQ

The a16z speedrun program is a fast‐paced, 12-week startup program that guides founders through every critical stage of their growth. It kicks off with an orientation to introduce the cohort, then dives into rapid product development—helping founders think through MVP while addressing key topics like customer acquisition and design partnerships.

Throughout the program, startups benefit from expert-led sessions and interactive office hours that cover:

• Brand Building & Go-to-Market Strategy: Crafting your story, marketing, and driving product-led growth.

• Customer Acquisition & Launch: Securing early users and executing effective launch plans.

• Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships: Pitching, navigating investment, and building lasting relationships.

• Team Building & Operational Scaling: Developing high-performing teams and refining internal processes for sustained growth.

• Community & Enterprise Sales: Building communities, forming strategic partnerships, and landing your first enterprise customers.

• Product-Market Fit & Demo Day Prep: Assessing market traction which culminates in a Demo Day to showcase progress.

This comprehensive curriculum is delivered via IRL keynote sessions with luminary speakers and founders, workshops, webinars (including industry-specific collaborations with AWS and Google Cloud), and office hours—all designed to equip startups with the skills and networks needed to scale quickly.

The a16z speedrun program is IRL and runs for 12 intensive weeks in which our team of expert investors and operators guide your startup from idea to market launch. The program moves through sequential modules—each dedicated to key aspects such as rapid product development, go-to-market strategy, fundraising, team building, and operational scaling. Expect regular check-ins, one-on-one office hours, and interactive sessions, culminating in a Demo Day where you present your progress to potential investors.

We welcome early-stage founders from all backgrounds who are passionate about innovation. Founders from around the world are welcome to apply, and our Global Founders Program can help you navigate visas and relocation.

Submit your application at sr.a16z.com

The application deadline for our upcoming San Francisco cohort is September 28, 2025 at 11:59pm PT. Apply by then to be considered for this cohort; submissions after that date will be reviewed for the next batch.

Applications received after the September 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT deadline will be reviewed closer to the application open window for the next cohort.

Absolutely—you can apply as a solo founder! We value founders who demonstrate the ability to build from scratch and overcome challenges independently. That said, due to the complexities of scaling a startup, we generally prefer teams with multiple founders who bring complementary skill sets. If you’re a solo founder with a strong track record of execution, we strongly encourage you to apply, and we’re open to helping with founder matching where necessary.

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

Yes! Although we're not able to re-review teams within a single application period, we understand that early-stage startups are in constant evolution. If you’re not selected for the current cohort, we encourage you to keep refining your product and reapply for a future cohort. Many repeat applicants have been admitted into the program.

Because the program is designed to be immersive and in‑person, participants must be able to attend on site. If relocation poses a challenge, or you'll need help navigating visas, please reach out—we’re open to discussing individual circumstances!

Absolutely. At a16z speedrun, the money is just one element of what we offer. Many of our founders already have access to capital, but they come to speedrun for the hands‑on mentorship, strategic guidance, and network that help accelerate growth. If you’re looking to refine your strategy and build a scalable business quickly, this program is for you.

Our program is designed for teams that can build and iterate on their product internally. This usually means having a technical co-founder or equivalent expertise. If you’re not technical, we recommend partnering with someone who can help you execute your vision effectively.

Because we review a high volume of applications, we aren’t able to give detailed feedback on every submission. However, if you’re invited to interview, you’ll receive specific insights about your application and the reasons behind our decision.

We suggest focusing on your strongest idea. Concentrating on one concept helps you present a clear, compelling vision that aligns with our program’s focus. Multiple applications can dilute your message, so pick the idea with the greatest potential.

You can apply as a student or an employee, but our 12‑week program requires a full‑time commitment. We expect founders to dedicate themselves fully to building their startup during the program and beyond, to maximize its impact.

We look for teams that demonstrate:

• A proven capacity to go from zero to one without waiting for permission
• Rapid development and execution
• Unique insights or “earned secrets” that offer a distinct competitive advantage
• Strong, complementary skill sets across technology, business, and go-to-market strategies
• Early signs of market validation (e.g., prototypes, metrics), which are encouraged but not required

We’ve shared a bit more of our thinking about what sets winning applicants apart in our newsletter.

Our team reviews applications every two weeks. If we’re excited to move forward with yours, we’ll invite you to submit a brief video pitch or schedule a 15-minute interview. We respect your time, so all interviews will start and end promptly. Following the interview, we may reach out for additional information such as references, data, or further details about your company. After an interview, our goal is to make final decisions quickly and get back to you.

We evaluate each team on its own merits. Even if we’ve backed companies in similar spaces, what matters is your unique approach, the strength of your team, and your potential to execute. Overlap in ideas isn’t a barrier.

We focus on very early-stage startups in speedrun and prioritize the backgrounds of the founders over the ideas. Thus, the expectation is that the idea will change and evolve, and we may end up investing in multiple companies within the same category, whether in speedrun or a16z's other funds.

Our next cohort (SR006) will take place in San Francisco from January 26, 2026 through April 12, 2026, and in-person attendance is required.

Each year we host two cohorts, one in San Francisco and one in Los Angeles. In 2026, San Francisco is confirmed for Q1/Q2, with Los Angeles expected in Q3/Q4.

There is no set minimum or maximum number of companies for speedrun per cohort. Our primary focus is maintaining a high standard for the founders we admit into the program.

We intend to invest up to $1,000,000 in each accepted company.

In each accepted company we intend to invest $1,000,000. Whether or not you have already secured external funding, we work with you during onboarding to review and discuss all the specifics—ensuring complete transparency before you join the program. See more about our deal terms here.

Yes, the a16z speedrun investment can complement a broader funding round. However, we recommend that founders delay raising additional capital until they've progressed through the program and present on Demo Day—a key part of our process.

You’ll receive personalized support from the a16z speedrun team, including partners, advisors, and industry experts, all tailored to your company’s needs. On top of that, we run programs during speedrun with world-class experts and hook you up with perks that are actually useful. Learn more here.

Beyond the core curriculum, a16z speedrun gives you operational support to tackle day-to-day challenges. You’ll get access to experts in capital network, recruiting, marketing, and business development, plus hands-on guidance from our network of advisors and industry partners. You’ll also unlock a set of perks designed to help you scale — programs, credits, and resources that are actually useful.

Our program is designed to support your company’s growth every step of the way. To help you make the most of this opportunity, we encourage active participation in both in-person and virtual sessions, interactive workshops, and office hours.

We focus on celebrating your progress through clear, actionable milestones. Throughout the program, you'll work on advancing your product, securing early customers, and refining your fundraising strategy—goals we set together to match your unique vision. By Demo Day, we aim to see tangible progress, such as market traction and a validated business model.

We understand that startups are dynamic and sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise. If you’re unable to attend a session, please notify your program lead as soon as possible. We offer recorded sessions and one-on-one catch-ups to ensure you stay on track, though we do expect all founders to be in‑person.

Our 12‑week program is designed to be both impactful and manageable. You’ll typically only need to commit to one focused day per week—filled with in‑person sessions, workshops, and office hours—while still having plenty of time to work on your startup throughout the week. This structure ensures you receive high‑quality mentorship and peer learning without overwhelming your schedule.

Even after the program concludes, you’re not on your own. Graduates gain ongoing access to our robust alumni network and exclusive networking events. This long-term support is integral to ensuring that you have the resources needed to scale your company well beyond the program.

In most cases, yes. Our Global Founders Program has helped many founders navigate visa requirements. If you’re invited to join a16z speedrun, we’ll connect you with the right resources to explore the best options for your situation.

Absolutely. Immigration hurdles can be a challenge for international founders, but our Global Founders Program helps admitted founders navigate the high stakes moments like visa petitions, consulate interviews, and border crossing.