A16z opened applications for its third Speedrun cohort, SR003, on April 1, 2024. The 12-week technology-and-games program was planned for Los Angeles, with up to $750,000 available to each selected startup. Applications closed May 19, 2024, so SR003 is no longer accepting applications. The $75 million in the announcement referred to a broader Speedrun investment commitment—not a per-company grant.
What was a16z Speedrun SR003?
Speedrun is a startup accelerator focused on companies at the intersection of technology and games. SR003 was its third cohort. GamesBeat’s April 1, 2024 announcement coverage described the program as combining investment with support from operators, coaches, mentors, partners, and a founder community. GamesBeat’s coverage attributed this description to Josh Lu, an a16z Games investing partner.
“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.”
— Josh Lu, as quoted by GamesBeat
What did the $75 million mean?
The headline figure described a16z’s broader commitment to investing in promising pre-seed startups through Speedrun. It was not the amount offered to each SR003 company. GamesBeat reported that each selected SR003 startup could receive up to $750,000. The announcement does not establish a single amount every company received.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
When did SR003 run, and when did applications close?
According to GamesBeat’s announcement coverage, applications opened April 1, 2024 and closed May 19, 2024. The 12-week program was scheduled to start in Los Angeles on July 29, 2024, moving from the San Francisco Bay Area, and end with a Demo Day during San Francisco Tech Week in October 2024. Those dates have passed; they are historical SR003 details, not current application dates.
What did earlier cohort statistics indicate?
GamesBeat reported two retrospective figures, each tied to a different cohort. They provide context, but they are not audited program-wide outcomes:
Rank #2
- SR002 selection: About 1% of applicants were selected, according to GamesBeat. This is a reported figure for that cohort, not a guaranteed acceptance rate for later classes.
- SR001 follow-on funding: GamesBeat reported that 80% of participating companies secured follow-on funding after graduation. The figure applies to SR001, not SR003.
What are the current Speedrun application details?
Current official information applies to later cohorts and should not be read as a change to SR003’s historical terms. As checked October 7, 2026, the official application page lists SR008 as starting in early 2027. It schedules a priority application period from October 12 through November 1, 2026, and says applications are accepted year-round. Because October 12 is after the date this information was checked, that priority window was upcoming at the time.
The official FAQ says SR007’s deadline was May 17, 2026, and that off-cycle applications can be reviewed for the upcoming cohort. It describes later program terms of up to $1 million: $500,000 for 10% upfront via a SAFE, plus another $500,000 in a subsequent round within 18 months. It also lists more than $10 million in partner credits. These are current/later terms, not SR003’s offer.
Rank #3
How large is Speedrun now?
Official pages state different portfolio totals, so the figures should be kept separate. As checked October 7, 2026, the a16z Speedrun overview says the program has deployed more than $180 million to fund over 200 startups. The Speedrun homepage says it has deployed more than $300 million to fund over 300 startups. Neither page presents those totals as SR003-specific figures.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should founders compare before applying?
SR003’s historical announcement establishes its cohort dates, Los Angeles location, support model, and maximum reported investment, but those details are not enough to determine whether it is comparable to a current accelerator offer. Founders evaluating a later cohort should check the current official application and FAQ for the actual terms, including:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Investment amount, instrument, equity, and any follow-on investment conditions.
- Cohort schedule, location, attendance expectations, and application deadline.
- Eligibility requirements and what support operators, mentors, and partners provide.
- Whether partner credits or other resources are available, and what conditions apply.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
