Agentic Andrew Chen (a16z speedrun) on the Future of AI Startups, Speedrun & Why Coding Will Be as Easy as Making Videos
Mar 5, 2026
Andrew Chen, General Partner at a16z known for growth playbooks and the Speedrun program, discusses what gets founders into elite accelerators. He explores why AI could dwarf past tech waves. Short takes cover how AI changes company structure, distribution challenges for AI-native products, and a future where coding is as simple as creating a video.
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AI Could Outsize Past Tech Waves
- AI's impact may exceed mobile, internet, and cloud combined and reshape every industry layer.
- Andrew Chen argues the current AI wave drives founder excitement across stack layers and justifies large, focused funds like a16z's new funds.
Why Nexa Landed Speedrun And Investment
- Nexa stood out because founder Philip had domain expertise and already signed customers before Seed.
- Andrew notes the words-versus-numbers ratio favored Nexa: pre-seed metrics and customer traction reduced early-stage risk.
Build Cohort Programs Around Day One To Day Ninety Wins
- In very early cohorts, focus on tangible, time-bound help founders need: launches, design partners, hires, immigration, and fundraising introductions.
- Speedrun structures 12-week cohorts, office hours, and a demo day to invert fundraising and inbound dozens of investors.