a16z speedrun Alpha Fellowship: Cohort 2
a16z speedrun Alpha Fellowship Cohort 2 backs software engineers with up to $250,000. Applications close October 11, 2026.
The a16z speedrun Alpha Fellowship is open for Cohort 2. Applications close on October 11. The program is for highly technical software engineers who are students, dropouts, or recent graduates, and it takes place in person in San Francisco.
The Founder Track runs for eight weeks from January 11 to March 5. a16z speedrun says it backs people before there is a company, an idea, or a team. Accepted founders can receive up to $250,000: $150,000 for 5 percent upfront in a SAFE, and another $100,000 in the next round within 18 months. Founder Track companies also receive more than $1 million in partner credits. Each person on a team must apply on their own.
The Talent Track runs for four weeks from February 8 to March 5. Fellows meet speedrun portfolio companies and may be hired directly by those companies if there is a mutual fit. Fellows are not paid during the fellowship. If a fellow takes a job, the hiring startup sets the pay.
Applicants must have valid authorization to work full time in the United States. The organizer estimates about 40 fellows across both tracks. Alpha is run by the speedrun team with Equal Opportunity Ventures. Apply on the Alpha application page.