a16z speedrun SR008

speedrun is a16z's fast-paced, 12-week startup program for early-stage founders. It runs in person in San Francisco, with two cohorts per year, and guides founders from idea to market launch through product development, go-to-market, fundraising, team building and operational scaling, ending with a Demo Day. speedrun invests up to $1M in each accepted company and gives access to over 250 partnered tool providers with more than $10M in credits. The next cohort, SR008, runs from late January through April 2027 in San Francisco.

Key Benefits

• Up to $1M in funding: $500K for 10% upfront in a SAFE and another $500K in your next round within 18 months
• $10M+ in cloud, AI and software credits from over 250 partnered tool providers, plus priority access to model providers, app stores and social platforms
• Funds wired immediately upon close
• Launch platform: dedicated support from operators across talent, recruiting, go-to-market, marketing, creators, capital network, HR and visa support
• In-house recruiters
• Global Founders Program: guidance for banking, visas and relocation
• Community of over 1000+ founders
• No board seat
• Ongoing access to the alumni network and networking events after the program

Eligibility

• Early-stage founders from all backgrounds and from around the world
• Solo founders can apply; teams with multiple founders with complementary skills are generally preferred
• Teams that can build and iterate on their product internally (usually a technical co-founder or equivalent expertise)
• Companies that have already raised capital can apply
• Founders must be able to attend in person in San Francisco for the 12-week program; teams do not have to move their companies
• Full-time commitment during the program

Program Structure

• 12 intensive weeks, in person in San Francisco
• SR008 runs from late January through April 2027; in-person attendance is required
• Orientation, then sequential modules: rapid product development, go-to-market, fundraising, team building and operational scaling
• IRL keynote sessions, workshops and one-on-one office hours; typically one focused day per week
• Ends with Demo Day
• Two cohorts per year; recent cohorts had 60–70 teams
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, usually within 4–6 weeks; next step is a brief video pitch or a 15-minute interview