join a breakout
a16z startup
JOIN A BREAKOUT A16Z STARTUP
The Alpha Fellowship places top engineers
at fast-growing a16z portfolio companies.
The Alpha Fellowship places top engineers at fast-growing a16z portfolio companies.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 6 2026
JOIN COMPANIES LIKE:
WHAT'S ALPHA?
THE TRACKS
Join a Startup
OPEN NOW
Learn inside the fire. Take a role at a breakout a16z portfolio company that's already taking off. The fellowship layer runs for two months, and the role continues after.
Work at a fast-growing a16z portfolio company
Full-time engineering role with salary and equity
Two-month fellowship programming overlay
Join a Startup
OPEN NOW
Learn inside the fire. Take a role at a breakout a16z portfolio company that's already taking off. The fellowship layer runs for two months, and the role continues after.
Work at a fast-growing a16z portfolio company
Full-time engineering role with salary and equity
Two-month fellowship programming overlay
Join a Startup
OPEN NOW
Learn inside the fire. Take a role at a breakout a16z portfolio company that's already taking off. The fellowship layer runs for two months, and the role continues after.
Work at a fast-growing a16z portfolio company
Full-time engineering role with salary and equity
Two-month fellowship programming overlay
Found a Startup
COMMING SOON
A founder track for engineers ready to go full-time on building a startup, even before an idea, product, or company exists. Fellows receive an initial check and mentorship to explore, plus priority consideration for up to $1M from a16z Speedrun and EO Ventures if they later start a company.
Found a Startup
COMMING SOON
A founder track for engineers ready to go full-time on building a startup, even before an idea, product, or company exists. Fellows receive an initial check and mentorship to explore, plus priority consideration for up to $1M from a16z Speedrun and EO Ventures if they later start a company.
Found a Startup
COMMING SOON
A founder track for engineers ready to go full-time on building a startup, even before an idea, product, or company exists. Fellows receive an initial check and mentorship to explore, plus priority consideration for up to $1M from a16z Speedrun and EO Ventures if they later start a company.
THE FELLOWSHIP
Marc Andreessen
COFOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Marc Andreessen
COFOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Marc Andreessen
COFOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Andrew Chen
GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Andrew Chen
GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Andrew Chen
GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Jon Lai
GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Jon Lai
GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Jon Lai
GENERAL PARTNER
A16Z
Roland Fryer
FOUNDING PARTNER
EO VENTURES
Roland Fryer
FOUNDING PARTNER
EO VENTURES
Roland Fryer
FOUNDING PARTNER
EO VENTURES
Lisa Li
FOUNDER ROSEBUD.AI [SR005]
ex PINTEREST
Lisa Li
FOUNDER ROSEBUD.AI [SR005]
ex PINTEREST
Lisa Li
FOUNDER ROSEBUD.AI [SR005]
ex PINTEREST
Elena Wagenemas
FOUNDER TAYA [SR005]
ex APPLE
Elena Wagenemas
FOUNDER TAYA [SR005]
ex APPLE
Elena Wagenemas
FOUNDER TAYA [SR005]
ex APPLE
Maxwell Wang
FOUNDER DISPATCHER [SR005]
ex SPACEX
Maxwell Wang
FOUNDER DISPATCHER [SR005]
ex SPACEX
Maxwell Wang
FOUNDER DISPATCHER [SR005]
ex SPACEX
THE TIMELINE
01
Apply online by March 6
Online applications are now open. You'll share your technical background and experience shipping real work. Applications close March 6, 2026.
02
Interview & assessment
Selected applicants complete a technical assessment and live interview with an a16z engineering lead.
03
Matching
Candidates rank the roles they're most excited about. Matches are made based on mutual fit.
04
Join your company
Most fellows begin full-time work at their matched company in early June. Individual start dates may vary slightly based on company needs.
05
The on-ramp
In early June, the fellowship begins with an immersive retreat where fellows meet one another and spend time with the a16z team.
05
Fellowship programming
From early June through mid-August, fellows participate in weekly, small-group conversations with engineers, operators, and investors shaping the next wave of AI, alongside their day-to-day work.
07
Completion
The fellowship concludes in mid-August with a capstone event, where fellows present to the a16z Speedrun team and broader community. Fellows continue in their full-time roles at their companies after the fellowship ends.
FAQ
Who's this for?
You're deeply curious, highly technical, and have a track record of building. Fellows are typically recent graduates or up to three years out of school. Exceptional students are considered if they can commit full time. You're ready to go all in, relocate to San Francisco, and build alongside ambitious engineers and founders.
Who's this for?
You're deeply curious, highly technical, and have a track record of building. Fellows are typically recent graduates or up to three years out of school. Exceptional students are considered if they can commit full time. You're ready to go all in, relocate to San Francisco, and build alongside ambitious engineers and founders.
Who's this for?
You're deeply curious, highly technical, and have a track record of building. Fellows are typically recent graduates or up to three years out of school. Exceptional students are considered if they can commit full time. You're ready to go all in, relocate to San Francisco, and build alongside ambitious engineers and founders.
Do I need to have US work authorization?
Yes. You must have valid authorization to work full time in the United States.
Do I need to have US work authorization?
Yes. You must have valid authorization to work full time in the United States.
Do I need to have US work authorization?
Yes. You must have valid authorization to work full time in the United States.
I'm a student in collage - can I apply?
You may apply, but fellows are expected to join their matched company in a full-time role. If accepted, participation would require leaving school.
I'm a student in collage - can I apply?
You may apply, but fellows are expected to join their matched company in a full-time role. If accepted, participation would require leaving school.
I'm a student in collage - can I apply?
You may apply, but fellows are expected to join their matched company in a full-time role. If accepted, participation would require leaving school.
Am I going to be working for a16z?
No. Fellows will be employed directly by a16z portfolio companies.
Am I going to be working for a16z?
No. Fellows will be employed directly by a16z portfolio companies.
Am I going to be working for a16z?
No. Fellows will be employed directly by a16z portfolio companies.
Is alpha only for software engineers?
Yes. Alpha is focused on full-time software engineering roles at a16z portfolio companies. We are not actively recruiting for other technical disciplines at this time.
Is alpha only for software engineers?
Yes. Alpha is focused on full-time software engineering roles at a16z portfolio companies. We are not actively recruiting for other technical disciplines at this time.
Is alpha only for software engineers?
Yes. Alpha is focused on full-time software engineering roles at a16z portfolio companies. We are not actively recruiting for other technical disciplines at this time.
Is there a specific list of participating companies?
The roles are with fast-growing a16z portfolio companies. We share the full list of participating companies with candidates later in the process.
Is there a specific list of participating companies?
The roles are with fast-growing a16z portfolio companies. We share the full list of participating companies with candidates later in the process.
Is there a specific list of participating companies?
The roles are with fast-growing a16z portfolio companies. We share the full list of participating companies with candidates later in the process.
Who's behind alpha?
Alpha is built by a16z Speedrun, a16z's startup program that invests up to $1M. It's run in partnership with EO Ventures (Equal Opportunity Ventures). EO Ventures invests in early-stage businesses that increase opportunity in America.
Who's behind alpha?
Alpha is built by a16z Speedrun, a16z's startup program that invests up to $1M. It's run in partnership with EO Ventures (Equal Opportunity Ventures). EO Ventures invests in early-stage businesses that increase opportunity in America.
Who's behind alpha?
Alpha is built by a16z Speedrun, a16z's startup program that invests up to $1M. It's run in partnership with EO Ventures (Equal Opportunity Ventures). EO Ventures invests in early-stage businesses that increase opportunity in America.
Do I have to be in San Francisco?
Yes. The fellowship is in person. If accepted, you'll need to relocate to San Francisco.
Do I have to be in San Francisco?
Yes. The fellowship is in person. If accepted, you'll need to relocate to San Francisco.
Do I have to be in San Francisco?
Yes. The fellowship is in person. If accepted, you'll need to relocate to San Francisco.
Is this same as the a16z New Media Fellowship?
No, this is a separate program.
Is this same as the a16z New Media Fellowship?
No, this is a separate program.
Is this same as the a16z New Media Fellowship?
No, this is a separate program.
I already applied to the a16z talent network. Am I considered for this program automatically?
No. This program has a separate application process, and you'll need to apply directly to Alpha to be considered.
I already applied to the a16z talent network. Am I considered for this program automatically?
No. This program has a separate application process, and you'll need to apply directly to Alpha to be considered.
I already applied to the a16z talent network. Am I considered for this program automatically?
No. This program has a separate application process, and you'll need to apply directly to Alpha to be considered.
What is the compensation range for the roles?
Compensation is set by the hiring company and varies by role. Fellows are hired into full-time positions and are paid market rates by the employer.
What is the compensation range for the roles?
Compensation is set by the hiring company and varies by role. Fellows are hired into full-time positions and are paid market rates by the employer.
What is the compensation range for the roles?
Compensation is set by the hiring company and varies by role. Fellows are hired into full-time positions and are paid market rates by the employer.
How does job / employer matching work?
After the evaluation process, candidates and companies rank their preferences. Matches are made based on mutual fit. Once a match is identified, candidates decide whether or not to accept the role.
How does job / employer matching work?
After the evaluation process, candidates and companies rank their preferences. Matches are made based on mutual fit. Once a match is identified, candidates decide whether or not to accept the role.
How does job / employer matching work?
After the evaluation process, candidates and companies rank their preferences. Matches are made based on mutual fit. Once a match is identified, candidates decide whether or not to accept the role.
I'm interested in starting a company. Is there a founder track?
Yes. A founder-focused track is planned but not yet open. It's intended for engineers at the very earliest stage, before a company is formed. Existing Alpha fellows will receive priority consideration when this track launches. Sign up for the waitlist for updates. If you already have an idea in progress and are seeking investment, you should apply directly to a16z Speedrun.
I'm interested in starting a company. Is there a founder track?
Yes. A founder-focused track is planned but not yet open. It's intended for engineers at the very earliest stage, before a company is formed. Existing Alpha fellows will receive priority consideration when this track launches. Sign up for the waitlist for updates. If you already have an idea in progress and are seeking investment, you should apply directly to a16z Speedrun.
I'm interested in starting a company. Is there a founder track?
Yes. A founder-focused track is planned but not yet open. It's intended for engineers at the very earliest stage, before a company is formed. Existing Alpha fellows will receive priority consideration when this track launches. Sign up for the waitlist for updates. If you already have an idea in progress and are seeking investment, you should apply directly to a16z Speedrun.
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ALPHA SUBSTACK
© 2025 ANDREESSEN HOROWITZ. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
SIGN UP FOOR UPDATES
ALPHA SUBSTACK
© 2025 ANDREESSEN HOROWITZ. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.