A16z Games Launches $75 Million SPEEDRUN Accelerator for Gaming Startups

A16z Games has launched the application process for the third cohort of its $75 million SPEEDRUN Accelerator program. The program will invest $30 million over the next 45 days in early-stage gaming startups. Each startup accepted into the program will receive $750,000 and mentorship from leading gaming advisors and investors.

A16z Games Unveils Third Cohort for $75 Million SPEEDRUN Accelerator Program

Palo Alto, California, April 1, 2024 - Andreessen Horowitz Games and Technology investment unit, A16z Games, has officially opened applications for the third cohort of its prestigious $75 million SPEEDRUN Accelerator program. This marks a significant milestone in the program's mission to foster innovation and growth in the gaming industry.

Investing in Early-Stage Gaming Startups

Under the leadership of Andrew Chen, general partner at A16z and overseer of Games Fund One, the program will inject $30 million over the next 45 days into promising early-stage gaming startups. These investments will span a wide range of sub-sectors, including AI/infrastructure, 3D tools, VR/AR, Web3 games, gamified consumer apps, and more.

"For AI and B2B startups, there's immense value in connecting with other startups in their space as potential customers and as they navigate product-market fit," Chen emphasized.

Exceptional Support and Mentorship

Each startup accepted into the third SPEEDRUN cohort will secure a $750,000 investment alongside access to an unparalleled network of industry mentors and advisors. This esteemed group of experts includes Mark Pincus, co-founder of Zynga; Emily Greer, co-founder of Kongregate; Eros Resmini, co-founder of Discord; and Kevin Lin of Twitch.

"Participants in our program receive not only financial support but also a carefully curated team of industry coaches, mentors, and a community of ambitious founders," Chen explained.

Proven Track Record of Success

The SPEEDRUN Accelerator program has a proven track record of nurturing gaming startups and driving their growth. An impressive 80% of companies from its initial cohort have secured follow-on funding from investors. This underscores the program's ability to identify and support startups with the potential to transform the gaming landscape.

Rigorous Selection Process

Chen highlighted the highly competitive nature of the program, noting that only 1% of applicants were selected in the previous cohort. "We seek startups with exceptional teams, innovative ideas, and a clear vision for the future of gaming," he said.

Invitation to Apply

A16z Games encourages all eligible early-stage gaming startups to apply for the third SPEEDRUN cohort. The application window is now open, and startups can submit their applications through the A16z website.

"We are eager to discover and support the next generation of gaming innovators who will shape the future of this dynamic industry," Chen concluded.