a16z Speedrun SR008

About

A 12-week in-person San Francisco residency for new startups, offering up to $1M in investment and $10M+ in partner credits, with applications due 1 November 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.

Benefits

• 💰Investment Capital
  Conditional: Up to US$1 million in capital: US$500,000 upfront for 10% equity through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), plus up to an additional US$500,000 into the next funding round within 18 months
• 🧾Cloud, AI and Software Credits
  Access: More than US$10 million in cloud, AI and software credits from over 200 partners through the speedrun Marketplace
• 🤝Customer Access and Network
  Access: Introductions to executives and customers through SR Insiders, a network of over 150 C-suite founding members and 1,000 executives and operators, plus access to AI Faire, Tech Week, Launch Lab and Brand Lab
• 👥Talent and Hiring Support
  Access: A Talent Network of over 171,000 people, plus hiring and HR support
• 🎤Investor Demo Day
  Opportunity: Startups may present to a room of investors when they are ready to raise funding
• 🪑Board Governance
  Confirmed: a16z does not take board seats
• 🏢In-Person Residency
  Mandatory programme component: A 12-week in-person residency at a16z’s San Francisco office, working alongside the speedrun team and a selected group of founders

Eligibility Criteria

• Mandatory: founders around the world may apply
• Mandatory for selected participants: complete the 12-week SR008 residency in person in San Francisco
• Preferred/stated expectation: full-time commitment to building the startup, with team and founder strength weighted heavily; traction is not required
• No specific revenue, incorporation, sector or funding-stage threshold is publicly stated.

Participation Commitments

• Selected companies participate in a 12-week in-person residency in San Francisco in February–April 2027; the application page lists 1 February–16 April 2027, while the announcement lists 1–18 April 2027, with Demo Day on 13 April 2027
• Selected companies receive a $500K investment for 10% equity via a SAFE
• a16z does not take board seats.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other

Target Location

Open to founders around the world; selected participants complete the SR008 residency in person in San Francisco, California.