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a16z speedrun 2024 is a unique event that brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to accelerate progress in gaming and beyond. The event is hosted by Andreessen Horowitz, a prominent venture capital firm.
The speedrun is designed to be a high-energy, fast-paced experience that fosters collaboration and idea generation. a16z speedrun 2024 will feature a series of challenges and exercises that push participants to think creatively and work together to solve complex problems.
Keynote speakers and industry experts will share their insights and experiences, providing valuable lessons and takeaways for attendees. By leveraging the collective knowledge and expertise of the participants, a16z speedrun 2024 aims to unlock new innovations and drive progress in the gaming and technology sectors.
What is Speedrun?
Speedrun is a type of video game competition where players aim to complete a game as fast as possible. It's a thrilling way to experience a game, and it requires a deep understanding of the game mechanics.
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Speedrunners use various techniques, such as exploiting glitches and optimizing routes, to shave precious seconds off their completion times. For example, in the a16z speedrun 2024, some players have been known to use glitches to skip entire levels.
The a16z speedrun 2024 is a great example of how speedrunning can bring a community together, with players from all over the world competing to set the fastest times.
Why Speedrun?
Speedrun is a unique accelerator program that offers more than just funding to ambitious startups. It's a pressure cooker designed to transform them into industry leaders.
The program provides a direct investment of $750K, which is a significant boost for any startup. This investment is accompanied by access to A16Z's vast network of founders and partners.
One of the standout features of Speedrun is the 1:1 mentorship from industry leaders. You'll get to work with the likes of Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and the cofounders of Zynga, Tinder, and Gas.
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The program also offers connections to hundreds of investors, which can be a huge help when it comes to fundraising. And, as a cherry on top, you'll get to pitch your startup in front of 500+ investors at Demo Day.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from Speedrun:
- Capital: $750K direct investment from A16Z
- Community: A16Z’s vast network of founders and partners
- Coaching: 1:1 mentorship from industry leaders
- Fundraising Support: Connections to hundreds of investors
Origins
The first speedruns were done by enthusiasts who wanted to see how quickly they could complete a game. They would often share their times with others in online communities.
The term "speedrunning" was first coined in the late 1990s by speedrunners who were competing to complete games as quickly as possible. They would often use tools and glitches to shave precious seconds off their times.
Speedrunners would often use the same strategies and routes to complete games, but as the community grew, new techniques and routes were discovered. This led to the development of different categories of speedruns, such as "any%" and "100%" runs.
The first speedrunning community was formed on the website Speed Demos Archive, which was created in 2000. This community allowed speedrunners to share their runs and compete with each other.
What Kinds of Startups?
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SPEEDRUN is a unique accelerator that's on the hunt for groundbreaking ideas in various domains. They're especially excited about startups that push the boundaries of technology and gaming.
If you're creating a game, an app, or tech infrastructure, SPEEDRUN is a great fit if your idea is at the forefront of tech and gaming. They're looking for startups that are ready to build the next big thing from scratch.
SPEEDRUN is particularly interested in B2B/Infrastructure Startups that focus on AI, 3D, game engines, and similar cutting-edge technologies.
They're also excited about Game Studios that are exploring web3, VR, AI, Discord-based experiences, and beyond.
Gamified/Playable Apps are another area of interest, think the next-gen Duolingo or Tinder, using innovative game mechanics to drive user engagement.
Products that intersect gaming with industries like health, defense, and other unexpected sectors are also on their radar.
Some examples of the types of startups SPEEDRUN is looking for include:
- B2B/Infrastructure Startups focused on AI, 3D, game engines, and similar cutting-edge technologies.
- Game Studios exploring web3, VR, AI, Discord-based experiences, and beyond.
- Gamified/Playable Apps using innovative game mechanics to drive user engagement.
- Products at the intersection of gaming with industries like health, defense, and other unexpected sectors.
- Smart Teams ready to build the next big idea from scratch!
Eligibility and Rules
To be eligible for A16Z Speedrun, you don't need to have an established team, but having multiple founders is preferred.
The initiative is highly selective, with less than 1 percent of applicants accepted into the previous SR003 cohort.
You can apply if you're an early-stage founder building at the intersection of Tech x Games.
A16Z encourages successful applicants to temporarily move to San Francisco to build community and requires one day in person per week so founders can engage with other speedrunners.
Program Details
The A16Z Speedrun 2024 program is a highly exclusive opportunity, with only 1% of applicants making the cut.
You'll need to apply quickly, as the program starts on January 6th, 2025.
The program is open to B2B infrastructure startups, game studios, and gamified apps that intersect with gaming, health, or defense.
A16Z is investing a massive $30 million in game-changing startups over the next 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of people get into speedrun a16z?
Only about 1% of applicants are accepted into our 12-week program. If you're interested in joining, learn more about our highly selective and intensive program
What stage does a16z invest in?
a16z invests in seed to growth-stage technology companies, supporting startups at various stages of development. With a wide range of investment opportunities, a16z is a great fit for companies looking to scale and grow.
What is a16z games?
A16Z Games is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative games and technology companies, such as Series AI, which is revolutionizing game development with generative AI. They lead seed investments in promising startups that are shaping the future of gaming.
Sources
- https://cryptobriefing.com/a16z-speedrun-accelerator-third-class-entry/
- https://www.pitchclub.io/p/build-the-future-of-gaming-with-a16z-speedrun
- https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/a16z-games-offering-750k-investments-and-mentorship-through-speedrun-accelerator
- https://vcwire.tech/2024/08/26/a16z-games-launches-speedrun-accelerator/
- https://venturebeat.com/ai/a16z-games-commits-75m-to-speedrun-game-startup-accelerator/
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