Venture capital firm A16z has announced the opening of applications for the third installment of its highly successful Speedrun tech and games accelerator program. With a staggering $75 million earmarked for investment, A16z is poised to shape the future of the gaming industry through its innovative approach to nurturing startup talent.

A16z Games Speedrun

The A16z Games Speedrun Accelerator, which will now call Los Angeles home, is set to kick off its third cohort, known as SR003. This intensive 12-week program is designed to provide game and tech entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

The program will culminate in a Demo Day during SF Tech Week, offering participants a platform to showcase their innovations to potential investors. Josh Lu, investing partner for A16z Games, highlighted the unique opportunity Speedrun presents for entrepreneurs at the intersection of technology and gaming.

"Speedrun brings together tech and games, two worlds that sit on the frontline of massive transformations and attract some of the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs," said Lu. "Our Speedrun program not only provides capital support but also a team of operators and partners who have worked across the games industry and can equip them with the knowledge that helps them go from zero to launch."

$750K Up for Grabs

A16z Games has upped the ante for SR003, increasing its investment to $750,000 in each selected Speedrun company. The previous class, SR002, boasted an impressive lineup of startups disrupting various sectors of the Tech x Games industry. From infrastructure and tools to game studios and consumer apps/platforms, the diversity of ventures showcased the program's broad reach and impact.

• 43% infrastructure plus tools, with alums from top tech companies such as Discord, Zynga, Google, Apple, Square, Palantir, Magic Leap and Xsolla.
• 35% games studios, founded by both newcomers and veterans in the space from companies including Rocket League, Blizzard, Epic Games, Jam City, King, and Supercell.
• 25% consumer apps/platforms, creating community and safe spaces for players online, led by veterans from Magic Leap, Crunchyroll, Dapper Labs, Canva, and Snap.
• 49% AI, led by PhDs from Stanford, MIT, and Oxford.

The Speedrun program prides itself on its selectivity, admitting only about 1% of applicants for its last cohort. However, the benefits are clear, with 80% of participating companies from SR001 securing funding from investors after graduation at Demo Day.

Interested applicants for SR003 can submit their applications starting today until May 19, 2024, here. The program is scheduled to commence on July 29, 2024, promising another wave of innovation in the tech and gaming spheres.

Final Thoughts

For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the gaming industry, A16z's Speedrun accelerator presents a golden opportunity to turn their dreams into reality. Apply now and join the ranks of visionaries shaping the future of gaming.