Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism fund has launched a new fellowship program that seeks to introduce top engineers and technologists to venture investing. The goal of this program is to help the firm identify potential sources of VC talent that may not be immediately obvious. The American Dynamism fund, which was established in 2023 with a focus on supporting companies in hard tech sectors such as manufacturing, robotics, space, and defense, has allocated around $600 million from its $7.2 billion fund for this program.
The 12-month American Dynamism Engineering Fellows Program will select three technologists who will undergo an intensive investment crash course. Throughout the year, the fellows will learn about venture investing, work closely with the firm’s partners to evaluate potential investments, and engage with the fund’s portfolio of industrial companies. At the end of the program, the fellows will have the option to join Andreessen Horowitz, join a portfolio company, or even start their own company. This flexibility ensures that the program is a win-win scenario for all parties involved.
According to fund partner David Ulevitch, Andreessen Horowitz has always aimed to have strong technologists on its team, but in recent years, there has been a greater influx of finance and banking professionals. The fellowship program was established as a structured way to attract technically minded individuals who may not initially consider venture investing or entrepreneurship as viable career paths. Ulevitch believes that the most promising candidates for these roles are often the least obvious ones.
To be considered for the fellowship program, candidates are expected to have some level of commercial work experience, such as a few years at a startup. However, outstanding individuals who have pursued advanced degrees alongside exceptional commercial or personal projects may also be suitable candidates. The selected fellows should have expertise that spans both hardware and software and should be enthusiastic about scaling the American Dynamism mission.
The American Dynamism team plans to run the fellowship program on an annual basis, with fellows based in either San Francisco or New York. More information about the program and the application process can be found on the program’s website.
In conclusion, Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism fund has established a fellowship program that aims to bridge the gap between engineering and venture investing. By providing technologists with the opportunity to explore a career transition, the firm hopes to attract top talent that may not have considered traditional VC roles. With a focus on hard tech sectors, the program offers a unique learning experience and the potential for fellows to make a significant impact in the industry.