A16z, the renowned venture capital firm, has announced the opening of applications for its third Speedrun tech and games accelerator class. With a whopping $75 million accelerator fund, A16z aims to invest in promising pre-seed startups that are shaping the future of the gaming industry. The program, known as A16z Games Speedrun, will be held in Los Angeles, a change from its previous location in the San Francisco Bay Area. The third iteration of the 12-week training program, called SR003, will culminate in a Demo Day during SF Tech Week.
A16z Games is committed to investing up to $75 million in selected Speedrun companies, raising its investment to $750,000 for each chosen startup. The program aims to bring together the worlds of technology and gaming, two industries that are at the forefront of innovation and attract some of the most creative entrepreneurs. By providing capital support and a team of experienced operators and partners from the gaming industry, A16z Games aims to equip founders with the knowledge they need to go from zero to launch.
Josh Lu, an investing partner for A16z Games, expressed his excitement about the program, stating, “It has been inspiring and impressive to see what the SPEEDRUN founders have been able to accomplish in such a short period of time, and we’re eager to see what ideas and products come out of SR003.”
The second edition of Speedrun, SR002, recently concluded with a Demo Day during GDC. Over 370 investors, representing more than $500 billion in assets under management, attended the event. The program showcased a diverse selection of early-stage companies disrupting the intersection of technology and gaming. The startups represented various verticals, including infrastructure and tools, games studios, consumer apps/platforms, and AI.
The highly selective Speedrun program only accepts around 1% of applicants for each cohort. Participants not only receive capital from A16z Games but also benefit from a curated set of industry coaches, mentors, and a community of ambitious founders. As a testament to the program’s success, 80% of the participating companies from SR001 secured funding from investors after graduation at Demo Day.
Applications for SR003 are now open and will run for 12 weeks starting on July 29, 2024. The program will conclude with a Demo Day during SF Tech Week in October 2024. Interested entrepreneurs can apply on the A16z Games website until May 19, 2024.
The A16z Speedrun tech and games accelerator program has proven to be a game-changer for startups in the gaming industry. With substantial funding, expert guidance, and a strong network of industry professionals, founders have the opportunity to turn their ideas into successful businesses. As the gaming industry continues to thrive and evolve, programs like Speedrun are essential for fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of gaming entrepreneurs.