a16z speedrun has opened applications for SR005, the next iteration of its speedrun startup program where they invest in founders pushing limits in tech, entertainment, and AI. Kicking off in July 2025, the intensive 12-week program returns to Los Angeles, culminating in a Demo Day during SF Tech Week. As part of speedrun’s vision to expand and bring together some of the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs building experiences, products, and platforms shaping tomorrow’s AI and creative landscape – spanning groundbreaking tools, 3D, gaming, XR, next-gen entertainment, and entirely new interactive experiences – a16z speedrun is investing up to $1 million in each accepted company.
“Speedrun is designed for founders who aren’t just following trends—they’re defining them,” said Josh Lu, Principal at a16z. “We’re backing some of the most ambitious entrepreneurs building AI-first products, next-gen entertainment, and entirely new interactive experiences. Our goal is to provide more than just capital; we’re creating a launchpad where founders receive access to a16z’s deep networks, hands-on mentorship, and most importantly a community of ambitious builders that accelerates their success.”
Speedrun is a highly selective startup program, with fewer than 1% of applicants securing a spot in each cohort. Participants are supported not only with capital and personalized feedback from the a16z team, but also gain access to a high-impact network of industry mentors, coaches, and a community of ambitious founders and speedrun alumni. Speedrun programming has featured tech and entertainment luminaries including a16z’s Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, A24’s Scott Belsky, Zynga’s Mark Pincus, Dr. Fei-Fei Li of World Labs, and Carta’s Henry Ward. Over the past four cohorts, speedrun has funded 120+ startups with more than $100 million deployed since 2023.
SR004 recently concluded with a Demo Day, which drew more than 500+ attendees. The program showcased a diverse cohort of startups disrupting the tech, entertainment, and AI sectors across multiple verticals:
- The SR004 cohort features 42 companies selected from over 6,000 applications, led by a mix of first-time founders, serial founders with successful exits, and experienced builders with backgrounds at companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple, Pinterest, TikTok, Polymarket, Unity, Pixar, Tinder, Scale AI, Tesla, and Snap
- This cohort includes multiple international startups from Canada, Israel, Turkey, London and Sweden, reflecting the continued global growth of speedrun
- 69% of the companies in this cohort are AI-native — building across agents, creative tools, developer infrastructure, marketplaces, and new formats for social interaction, storytelling, and play
- 21% are focused on B2B and creative tools
- 17% are creating new-age marketplaces
- 1 in 10 are building AI infra and model-level tooling
SR005 will run for 12 weeks in Los Angeles beginning on July 28th, 2025, and conclude with a Demo Day during SF Tech Week on October 7th, 2025.
Applications for SR005 are now open and will close on May 11th, 2025. Apply at sr.a16z.com.
For more information on the program, past speakers, and FAQs visit speedrun.a16z.com. The above information should not be construed as investment advice. For other important disclosures please see a16z.com/disclosures.
About a16z speedrun
The a16z speedrun team believes the future belongs to founders who defy categories and invent new possibilities. In our 12-week program, we invest in global startups that build experiences, products, and platforms shaping tomorrow’s AI and creative landscape—everything from groundbreaking tools to 3D, gaming, XR, next-gen entertainment, and more.
Founders selected for the a16z speedrun program gain access to capital, expert guidance, and an exclusive community. We invest up to $1M in each selected company. Throughout the program, founders work together in person to build alongside other world-class builders, with support and mentorship from tech and entertainment industry titans. The program culminates with Demo Day, where participants showcase their products to attendees.
