a16z Talent x Opportunity (TxO)

Talent x Opportunity (TxO) was an Andreessen Horowitz initiative for entrepreneurs with the talent, drive and ideas to build great businesses but without the typical networks and resources. Announced on June 3, 2020 and led at launch by a16z partner Nait Jones, it combined an accelerator program with a fund. a16z described it as an accelerator for consumer ideas with cultural tailwinds built by founders outside Silicon Valley's usual networks.

The fund started with $2.2M in donations from a16z partners, with Ben and Felicia Horowitz matching up to $5M in other donations. It was a donor-advised fund managed by the Tides Foundation, and 100% of investment returns stay in the fund to back future founders, so a16z does not profit. The first cohort drew over 1,200 applications; seven finalists were each nominated for a $100K investment on a SAFE converting to 7%.

a16z says TxO worked with entrepreneurs across more than 50 companies in its first four years. In 2024 it added a grant program for nonprofits, and its spring 2025 cohort of five startups (fashion, gaming, media and music) kicked off in San Francisco with 16 weeks of TxO University. No later cohort has been announced, and a16z.com/txo now redirects to speedrun.

Designed for Founders. The program is hybrid. Participation is generally part time.

Founders who did not have access to the fast track in life (established networks, major corporations, elite schools or influential alumni groups) but show great potential. Businesses could be tech or non-tech, ideally with an interesting model, niche market or early traction. The 2024 grant program was for US 501(c)(3) nonprofits running internship or career programs for out-of-network talent.

Past cohorts used an open online application; the first round received over 1,200 applications for seven finalist slots. The grant program required applications by July 19, 2024. No application is open now.

• Seed investment from the TxO fund ($100K per company in the first cohort).
• Mentorship and instruction from experienced operators in a16z's network (a 10-month online program at launch; 16 weeks of TxO University for the spring 2025 cohort).
• Access to a16z's knowledge and network to raise further funding.
• Grants of up to $50,000 for selected nonprofits (2024).

• Jun 3, 2020: TxO fund and program announced.
• Oct 30, 2020: first cohort announced (from over 1,200 applicants).
• Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024 cohorts announced.
• Jun 17, 2024: TxO grant program announced (applications due July 19, 2024).
• Mar 4, 2025: Spring 2025 cohort announced (five startups, 16 weeks, San Francisco).
• Today: no open cohort; a16z.com/txo redirects to speedrun.

First-cohort founders included Karen Young (Oui the People), Tony Brown and Ameer Brown (Breakr) and Autumn Adeigbo (Autumn Adeigbo). The spring 2025 cohort included Equal IQ, Rodeo, Ternwheel, Unisound and Destruction Labz. a16z says TxO supported entrepreneurs across more than 50 companies in its first four years.