How to get into a16z's super-competitive Speedrun startup accelerator program

February 11, 2026

TL;DR

Speedrun, launched in 2023, has an acceptance rate of less than 1% from over 19,000 startup pitches.
The program is now a horizontal accelerator, accepting founders from any type of startup, running for 12 weeks in San Francisco.
Speedrun invests up to $1 million per company, typically $500,000 upfront for 10% equity via a SAFE note, with an additional $500,000 upon the next funding round.
The program offers access to a16z's advisory and business networks, assisting with go-to-market, brand development, media strategy, and talent sourcing, plus significant vendor credits.
Key selection criteria include the founding team's complementary skills, self-awareness, a shared history, and evidence of market validation or traction.
Founders are encouraged to use AI to refine applications for clarity and coherence but must be able to verbally explain their startup without AI assistance during interviews.
The program values intellectual honesty, precision, and a clear articulation of why the founding team is uniquely positioned to solve a problem, prioritizing depth over polish.
Mohamed Mohamed's Smart Bricks, a proptech startup, recently raised $5 million led by Speedrun, highlighting the program's focus on ambitious technical visions and honest self-assessment.

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