a16z Crypto Startup School: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Successful Crypto Startups

The infamous venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) re-launched the a16z Crypto Startup School to help early-stage crypto entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and resources. a16z Crypto has over $7.6 billion assets in web3 funds and recently released its latest 2023 State of Crypto report. The latest cohort of crypto startups began the program in March 2023 in Los Angeles, featuring talks from crypto entrepreneurs such as Roham Gharegozlou, CEO of Dapper Labs. In this article, we will discuss the program, the company a16z, the current program cohort, program offerings, and how to apply.
According to the website, the a16z Crypto Startup School (CSS) is an accelerator program designed around the specific needs of web3 startups. CSS provides entrepreneurs the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to build successful businesses in the crypto space. This includes lectures, mentorship, and access to the a16z network and ends with a Demo Day.
a16z crypto invests $500,000 in the selected companies and receives 7% equity. In addition to funding, participants receive mentorship, education, and networking opportunities.A16z Crypto, established in 2018, is a venture capital fund overseen by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and located in Menlo Park, California. This fund focuses on financing cryptocurrency and web3 businesses, from initial seed investments to more advanced stages. They have invested in many notable crypto companies, including Coinbase, Avalanche, Anchorage Digital, Solana, Uniswap, Protocol Labs, etc. They have also published extensive research on crypto and web3.
In 2009, Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz established Andreessen Horowitz, also called "a16z," in Silicon Valley. As a venture capital firm, a16z supports audacious entrepreneurs leveraging technology to shape the future. a16z is one of the most well-known venture capital firms for its investments in companies such as Facebook, AirBnb, Box, Asana, and more.
The program is in progress in Los Angeles, CA, from March 6th to May 26, 2023. Out of over 8,000 applicants, a16z selected 26 startup teams. A few of the startups selected include:
The 12-week program has already included a variety of speakers and crypto entrepreneurs, such as:
Figure 01. a16z Crypto Startup School program offerings.
a16z Crypto Startup School offers a comprehensive curriculum to equip entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to build successful crypto startups.
The curriculum covers a range of topics, including:In addition to the curriculum, a16z Crypto Startup School provides mentorship from experienced crypto entrepreneurs and investors and access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and investors.
Figure 02. A16z Crypto Startup School - How to apply.
Applications for a16z Crypto Startup School are not currently open. The last application period was open until November 2022. It contained interviews, and decisions were made in January and February 2023.
The program is intended for early-stage cryptocurrency startups worldwide. According to the website, “builders interested in or currently developing a web3 product” are a good fit to apply. In the past, applications have included a form and a pitch deck. The pitch deck should be no more than 15 slides and should cover the following topics:The a16z Crypto Startup School provides a hands-on, in-person unique learning opportunity to aspiring crypto entrepreneurs. It gives access to industry experts and investors. If you're interested in building a blockchain-based startup, stay updated with a16z to see when the next applications are open. In addition, a16z is also launching a new startup school for the games industry called SPEEDRUN.