Company

a16z speedrun: deal terms, SR008 dates and how to apply

a16z speedrun is Andreessen Horowitz's accelerator for very early startups. It invests up to $1 million per company: $500,000 for 10% upfront on a SAFE, plus another $500,000 in the company's next funding round within 18 months. The program lasts 12 weeks, takes place in person in San Francisco and runs two cohorts a year.

As of October 2026, the next cohort, SR008, runs from late January through April 2027. Speedrun takes applications year-round, but its application page sets a priority window from October 12 to November 1, 2026, when applications get the fastest review.

a16z speedrun at a glance

• Investment: up to $1 million: $500,000 for 10% on a SAFE, then $500,000 in the next round within 18 months.
• Credits: more than $10 million in cloud, AI and software credits from partners, according to the speedrun site.
• Format: 12 weeks, in person in San Francisco, two cohorts a year.
• Next cohort: SR008, late January to April 2027.
• Priority window: October 12 to November 1, 2026; rolling review the rest of the year.
• Selectivity: recent cohorts had 60 to 70 teams, and a16z puts its acceptance rate below 0.4%.

Deal terms explained

The first $500,000 comes as a SAFE (simple agreement for future equity) for 10% of the company. Paying $500,000 for 10% implies a valuation of about $5 million for that first check. The second $500,000 is a commitment to invest in the startup's next round, as long as it happens within 18 months.

According to the speedrun FAQ, a16z also asks for pro rata rights in future rounds, does not take a board seat and wires the money when the deal closes. Its SR006 announcement adds that the team helps with incorporation and with setting up an option pool.

Speedrun vs Y Combinator

Founders often weigh speedrun against Y Combinator. The terms differ mainly in structure:

• Total check: speedrun invests up to $1 million; YC invests $500,000.
• Upfront ownership: speedrun takes 10% for $500,000. YC takes 7% for $125,000 and puts in another $375,000 on an uncapped MFN SAFE, whose final stake depends on the company's later SAFE terms (YC deal page).
• Timing of the second check: speedrun's second $500,000 goes into the next round within 18 months; YC invests its full $500,000 at the start.
• Cadence: speedrun runs two cohorts a year; YC runs four batches a year.
• Location: both programs are in person in San Francisco.

The deadlines also sit close together this autumn. Speedrun's SR008 priority window closes on November 1, 2026, and YC's on-time deadline for its Winter 2027 batch is November 2 at 8pm Pacific Time.

SR008 dates and application timing

Speedrun reviews applications on a rolling basis, usually within four to six weeks, and applications that miss a cohort's deadline are considered for the next one. Teams that make the shortlist are asked for a short video pitch or a 15-minute interview. For SR008, a16z marks October 12 to November 1, 2026 as the priority window and says the cohort starts in early 2027, running through April in San Francisco.

For reference, the current cohort, SR007, took applications until May 17, 2026, and runs from July 27 to October 11, 2026, with Demo Day scheduled for October 6, according to a16z's SR007 announcement.

Who can apply

Speedrun accepts early-stage founders from any background, including founders based outside the US; its site shows founders from more than 30 countries. Solo founders are eligible, although a16z says it generally prefers teams with more than one founder. The FAQ also says teams should be able to build the product themselves, which usually means having a technical co-founder, and that the 12 weeks require a full-time commitment.

The program started in 2023 with roots in a16z's games investing and now backs startups across technology and entertainment. a16z says speedrun has funded more than 300 startups and deployed more than $300 million since 2023; companies it names among alumni include FLORA, Hedra and Runware.

What the 12 weeks include

• In-person sessions in San Francisco, with help from a16z operators on sales, marketing, hiring and fundraising.
• Partner credits worth more than $10 million, plus priority access to model providers, app stores and social platforms.
• In-house recruiting help and visa support, and banking and relocation help for international founders through a16z's Global Founders Program.
• Demo Day at the end of the cohort. The FAQ advises founders to hold off on raising more money until they have presented there.

How to apply to a16z speedrun

1. Open speedrun.a16z.com/apply and start the application with your email address.
2. Complete the online form about your team and company.
3. Submit between October 12 and November 1, 2026 if you are aiming for SR008 and want the fastest review.
4. Expect a response within four to six weeks in most cases. If your team is shortlisted, you will be asked for a brief video pitch or a 15-minute interview. Applications that arrive after a cohort's deadline are considered for the next one.

What to settle before you apply

The program's rules point to a few practical questions worth answering in advance:

• Can the founders be in San Francisco for 12 weeks? Attendance is in person, so founders based elsewhere need a plan for travel, housing and, if necessary, a visa. a16z offers visa support, but the timing still has to work.
• Is 10% for $500,000 acceptable to you and your co-founders? Model how the SAFE and any other SAFEs you have signed will convert, so the ownership picture is clear before you accept an offer.
• When do you plan to raise next? The second $500,000 only arrives with your next round within 18 months, and a16z suggests waiting until after Demo Day to raise more.
• Is the company incorporated? If not, speedrun's team helps with incorporation and the option pool after acceptance.

Speedrun Demo Days and other accelerator events appear in our Events coverage, and rounds raised by accelerator alumni are tracked in Funding.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a16z speedrun invest?

Up to $1 million per company: $500,000 for 10% upfront on a SAFE and another $500,000 in the company's next round within 18 months.

When is the a16z speedrun SR008 deadline?

Speedrun accepts applications year-round, but the priority window for SR008 runs from October 12 to November 1, 2026. The cohort runs from late January through April 2027.

Is a16z speedrun remote?

No. The 12-week program takes place in person in San Francisco.

What is the a16z speedrun acceptance rate?

a16z says its acceptance rate is lower than 0.4%, and recent cohorts have had between 60 and 70 teams.

Can solo founders apply to a16z speedrun?

Yes. Solo founders are eligible, though a16z says it generally prefers teams with more than one founder.