Andreessen Horowitz Launches Academy for Aspiring Tech Founders

Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has established the Horowitz Andreessen Academy, a new educational program designed to provide an alternative to traditional university education for aspiring technology entrepreneurs.

The San Francisco-based, unaccredited private school targets individuals aged 18-22 who aim to start their own ventures and develop new technologies. Launched on September 22, the program emphasizes practical learning and industry connections.

The Academy has secured $42 million in funding, led by a16z with contributions from investors associated with companies like Shopify, DoorDash, and Palantir. The first year of tuition is reportedly free, with the subsequent two-year program expected to cost similarly to elite private universities.

Unlike traditional higher education, the Academy focuses on student-led projects and leverages its network of founding partners, including Anduril, Anthropic, Coinbase, and Google. Its teaching staff and mentors include prominent industry figures such as Sam Altman and Jensen Huang.

The program centers on three core elements: co-ops at Silicon Valley firms, expert-led courses, and student-led personal projects. Applications for the inaugural class are now open, with studies commencing in September 2027.