A dinner series, community, and newsletter for world-class founders and operators who are openly – or secretly – figuring out their next big thing
Every journey accelerates when you're surrounded by the right people from day one.
Co-founders who push you, designers and engineers who build with you, advisors who sharpen you, and a community whose collective genius helps you cut through ambiguity faster.
a16z has helped some of the world's most transformative technologists get their start. Now, it's your turn.
Whether you're seeking inspiration, tinkering on a bold new idea, or eager to link arms with a founding team that's onto something - a16z Build is where you find your people.
Who is this for?
FOUNDERS
You're committed to building something new and want insanely talented people to be part of the journey.
JOINERS
You want to work with an incredible founder from day one to help build the next groundbreaking company.
Most community gatherings will be in SF and NYC, but you can be based anywhere.
How it works
CURATED GATHERINGS
Be in the room where it happens. Join private, thoughtfully-designed dinners, retreats, and events with builders on the same early journey - all free and hosted by a16z.
VETTED INTRODUCTIONS
Get introduced to exceptional people who might become your next co-founder, angel investor, advisor, or founding engineer.
A PERSONAL SPOTLIGHT
Get featured in the a16z Build newsletter to spread the word about your work with forward-thinking engineers, technologists, and investors.
OFF-THE-RECORD CHATS
Join private group chats where you can ask anything (feedback, intros, resources) and get your questions answered in real time from people who have been in your shoes.
UNDER-THE-RADAR ROLES
Be the first to hear about unlisted opportunities and roles at high-potential startups before they’re announced publicly. The best opportunities never make it to job boards.
THE BEST NETWORK IN TECH
a16z has backed and is supported by the world’s best technology founders, operators, and investors. We’re excited to share this with you.
COMMUNITY VALUES
Confidentiality and Sacredness
You'll meet people who are figuring out next steps, pivoting, and testing big ideas. To create a candid, safe space, attendees and topics discussed are off the record.
Spirit of Service
A rising tide lifts all boats. Instead of asking, “What’s in it for me?” our members ask, “What can I do for someone else?”
FAQs
What does Build include?+
Private dinners, curated intros, off-the-record group chats, newsletter spotlights, fellowship cohorts, and early looks at serious people and companies in the a16z orbit.
What stage are most Build members at?+
Some are still circling the idea. Some are already building or raising. The common thread is that they are actively moving toward a company, a founding team, or a specialized frontier.
If I've already raised VC, am I too far along for Build?+
No. Build is useful when the next constraint is people, distribution, taste, company-building judgment, or trusted rooms around the work.
What if I'm in stealth?+
That is normal here. The community works because sensitive conversations stay off the record and introductions are made with context.
Do I need to be based in SF or NYC?+
Most gatherings cluster in SF and NYC, with more cities by demand. You can still be based elsewhere and stay close to the network.
How do nominations work? Can I nominate myself?+
You can nominate yourself or someone else. The useful signal is not polish; it is the specific reason the person belongs in the room.
Is there any cost or associated investment?+
No. Build programs are free to join, and applying does not imply any investment relationship.
How do I stay in touch?+
Apply, join the newsletter, or choose the program page closest to your current intent so future follow-up starts with the right context.