Meet the new a16z speedrun!

With SR004 Demo Day fast approaching, we’re reflecting on our roots, our journey so far, and the exciting times ahead. a16z speedrun is evolving, expanding further into the frontiers of tech and entertainment.

It began as a spark—a simple idea kindled over countless conversations, where the magic of games and the promise of technology merged in unexpected ways. From the very start, we believed in the transformative power of play. For us, games weren’t just entertainment; they were the foundation of creativity, a catalyst for technical innovation. Yet, as our vision grew, so did our conviction that the spirit of gaming could fuel far more. It could ignite a revolution in how startups are built, nurtured, and celebrated.

Our team poured our hearts into what would become speedrun—a startup program crafted with love, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Every late night, every brainstorming session, and every moment of shared excitement added a new layer to the vision. We weren’t merely creating a program; we were designing an ecosystem where founders, dreamers, and innovators could thrive. In those early days, every piece of feedback felt like a lesson and every small victory a promise of a brighter future (this still stands true today).

At a16z speedrun, we’ve always believed that the best ideas come from genuine passion and human connection. Today we reintroduce a16z speedrun with that same ethos. We continue to honor our roots in gaming—our DNA is inseparable from the spirit of play—but we’ve expanded our horizons. We believe the future belongs to founders who defy categories and invent new possibilities. So now, a16z speedrun stands as a beacon for technology and entertainment startups alike. And we’re proud to back founders building experiences, products, and platforms shaping tomorrow’s AI and creative landscape. Whether you’re breaking new ground in 3D, creative tools, gaming, streaming, XR, next-gen entertainment, or beyond, we’ve iterated and crafted a program to give you unparalleled support.

What makes a16z speedrun truly special isn’t just its structure or the robust resources we provide—it’s the founders. These visionary individuals are fearlessly pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible. We see every founder as a storyteller and every startup as a movement and it’s our mission to bring those stories and movements to the world.

The goal for our team is to bring deep, personal commitment to every interaction. This program is our labor of love, a reflection of the many shared dreams and tireless efforts that have brought us to this moment—from our founders, investors, and many strategic partners.

Today, we invite you to join us on this journey as we reintroduce a16z speedrun and give it a new home at speedrun.a16z.com.

See you there

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