a16z Build Ops Engineering Fellowship
A six-week cohort for operations leaders deploying AI into scalable organizational systems.
Overview
The a16z Build Ops Engineering Fellowship is one of a16z Build's peer-led fellowships for exceptional builders and operators in emerging disciplines. a16z describes it as a six-week cohort for operations leaders deploying AI into scalable organizational systems. It is part of a16z Build, Andreessen Horowitz's dinner series and community for founders and operators, which runs fellowships for crafts that the job market has not fully named yet.
The fellowship runs for 6 weeks (Fall 2026 cohort) with a dinner series in San Francisco; commitment is flexible and all opt-in. Fellows meet through dinners and events with peers doing the same work at leading AI companies and startups. Founding fellows and cohort members named on the official page include Seb Goddijn (Ramp), Claire Vo (ChatPRD), Matt Portnov (Decagon), Ann Miura-Ko (Floodgate), Brandon Gell (Every), TK Kong (Concept), Owen Williams (Stripe), Ben Tossell (Ben's Bites).
Applications are open for the Fall 2026 cohort; no closing date is published.
Program details
Designed for Operators. The program is in person. Participation is generally part time.
Who it is for
Builders reinventing how organizations operate with AI: people who might call themselves Internal AI Lead, Chief of Staff, Internal Tools Engineer or Platform Lead. Titles matter less than what you have built. There are no formal degree or title requirements on the official page. The fellowship runs in person, primarily in San Francisco.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for a16z Build Ops Engineering FellowshipAdmissions and application
Apply with the Apply now button on the fellowship page. a16z Build does not publish selection criteria beyond the profile of who the fellowship is for, and no acceptance rate is stated. The fellows named on the page are senior practitioners at well-known AI companies and startups, which suggests a selective process.
Benefits
- A curated cohort of peers doing the same emerging job at leading companies.
- A dinner series and in-person events, primarily in San Francisco.
- Access to the wider a16z Build community: dinners, hiring nights, early roles and the newsletter.
Timeline
Length: 6 weeks. Cohort: Fall 2026. Dinner series in San Francisco. Applications are open for the Fall 2026 cohort; no closing date is published.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
Applications are open. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
The official page does not mention a stipend, investment or participation fee. The fellowship is a peer community, not a paid role.
Questions about this program
What is the a16z Build Ops Engineering Fellowship?
A peer-led fellowship run by a16z Build, a16z's community for founders and operators. A six-week cohort for operations leaders deploying AI into scalable organizational systems.
Who is it for?
Builders reinventing how organizations operate with AI: people who might call themselves Internal AI Lead, Chief of Staff, Internal Tools Engineer or Platform Lead. Titles matter less than what you have built.
How long is it and where does it run?
The fellowship runs for 6 weeks (Fall 2026 cohort) with a dinner series in San Francisco; commitment is flexible and all opt-in.
Is it open now?
Applications are open for the Fall 2026 cohort; no closing date is published.
How do I apply?
Use the Apply now button on https://build.a16z.com/fellowships/ops-engineer. Separately, you can apply to the wider a16z Build community at build.a16z.com/build/join.
Is it paid, and does a16z invest?
The official page does not mention a stipend, an investment or a fee. It is a peer community, not a job or an investment program.
How much time does it take?
The page describes participation as flexible and opt-in, built around dinners and events rather than a fixed curriculum.
Who has been part of it?
Founding fellows and cohort members listed on the official page include Seb Goddijn (Ramp), Claire Vo (ChatPRD), Matt Portnov (Decagon), Ann Miura-Ko (Floodgate), Brandon Gell (Every).
About Andreessen Horowitz
Andreessen Horowitz
Venture Capital
Investing in the future of technology.
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From public sources
What the sources say about a16z Build Ops Engineering Fellowship
a16z Build is seeking people who use AI to redesign organizational systems, regardless of their exact job title.
Source: a16z Build Ops Engineering Fellowship pageThe official page lists eight founding fellows drawn from AI, operations, design, and venture organizations.
Source: a16z Build Ops Engineering Fellowship pagea16z says participants will exchange practical lessons with people implementing internal AI.
Source: Introducing the a16z Ops Engineering Fellowshipa16z says the fellowship includes an in-person dinner series in San Francisco, with other cities possible based on demand.
Source: Introducing the a16z Ops Engineering Fellowshipa16z seeks fellows who can handle both the technical and organizational sides of deployment.
Source: Introducing the a16z Ops Engineering FellowshipThe selection profile favors applicants who have shipped AI systems that redesign cross-functional workflows.
Source: Introducing the a16z Ops Engineering Fellowship
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