a16z Speedrun SR005

a16z Speedrun SR005 was the fifth cohort, running from July to October 2025 in Los Angeles. With 60 companies, it was the largest Speedrun batch to date. SR005 introduced a new deal structure: $500,000 via post-money SAFE plus 10% equity, totaling $1 million per company—doubling the value proposition from earlier batches. This restructuring reflected a16z's strategy to provide more substantial capital to founders while maintaining meaningful ownership. The batch was open to all industries, continuing the expansion beyond gaming that began with SR004. AI remained central to the cohort, with the majority of companies incorporating AI into their products. The LA location attracted founders working on entertainment, creative technology, and consumer applications alongside traditional enterprise and infrastructure companies. SR005 represented Speedrun's emergence as one of the most competitive accelerator programs globally, with acceptance rates below 1%. The program had deployed over $180 million across 150+ startups since its 2023 launch. Companies benefited from a16z's full platform including extensive vendor credits, investor network access, and deep technical mentorship from partners and portfolio company leaders.