a16z speedrun vs Techstars New York City
- Overall score. a16z speedrun scores higher on BatchUp: 60 (rank #1 of 11) vs 32 (#10) for Techstars New York City. Most of the gap is terms (40 vs 12 points).
- Valuation. a16z speedrun pays more for its stake: $500K for 10% is an implied $5M post-money, vs $20K for 5% ($400K) at Techstars New York City. That's 12.5x the valuation, or $50K vs $4K per 1% of your company.
- Headline check. a16z speedrun advertises $500K upfront, plus up to $500K more in next qualifying round (follow-on). Techstars New York City advertises $220K, but only $20K buys the fixed 5%; the rest is $200K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later).
- Fixed equity. Techstars New York City takes the smaller fixed stake (5% vs 10% at a16z speedrun). Any uncapped MFN SAFE or follow-on money comes on top of the fixed stake and adds dilution in your next round.
- Deadlines. a16z speedrun closes Nov 1, 2026 (15 days from our Oct 17, 2026 check); Techstars New York City closes Nov 18, 2026 (32 days from our Oct 17, 2026 check). a16z speedrun's date comes first.
- Format and length. a16z speedrun is in-person in San Francisco, CA; Techstars New York City is hybrid in New York, NY. The program runs 12 weeks at a16z speedrun and 13 weeks at Techstars New York City.
Every number comes from each program's official page, checked Oct 17, 2026. Scores follow our methodology: terms points use only the cash that buys the fixed stake. Run the numbers for a16z speedrun · Run the numbers for Techstars New York City
Side by side
| a16z speedrun | Techstars New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Headline investment | $500,000 | $220,000 |
| Upfront cash for fixed equity | $500,000 | $20,000 |
| Fixed equity | 10% | 5% |
| Implied post-money (scored) | $5,000,000 | $400,000 |
| Converting / follow-on (not scored) | up to $500K more in next qualifying round (follow-on) | $200K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later) |
| Length | 12 wks | 13 wks |
| Location | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Cash type | equity | equity |
| Next deadline | Closes Nov 1, 2026 checked Oct 17, 2026 · source | Closes Nov 18, 2026 checked Oct 17, 2026 · source |
| BatchUp score | 60 | 32 |
| Score breakdown | terms 40 · transparency 20 · outcomes 0 | terms 12 · transparency 20 · outcomes 0 |
| Terms detail | $500K upfront for 10% via SAFE + up to $500K in next qualifying round within 18 months (up to $1M total). SR008 applications close Nov 1, 2026 11:59pm PT. | $20K CEA for 5% + $200K uncapped MFN SAFE; 2027 cohort apps close Nov 18, 2026. |
| Profile | a16z speedrun profile | Techstars New York City profile |
a16z speedrun vs Techstars New York City: questions founders ask
Is a16z speedrun or Techstars New York City better?
a16z speedrun scores higher on BatchUp: 60 (rank #1 of 11) vs 32 (#10) for Techstars New York City. Most of the gap is terms (40 vs 12 points). a16z speedrun pays more for its stake: $500K for 10% is an implied $5M post-money, vs $20K for 5% ($400K) at Techstars New York City. That's 12.5x the valuation, or $50K vs $4K per 1% of your company.
Which gives founders more money, a16z speedrun or Techstars New York City?
a16z speedrun advertises $500K upfront, plus up to $500K more in next qualifying round (follow-on). Techstars New York City advertises $220K, but only $20K buys the fixed 5%; the rest is $200K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later).
Which takes less equity, a16z speedrun or Techstars New York City?
Techstars New York City takes the smaller fixed stake (5% vs 10% at a16z speedrun). Any uncapped MFN SAFE or follow-on money comes on top of the fixed stake and adds dilution in your next round.
When are the a16z speedrun and Techstars New York City deadlines?
a16z speedrun closes Nov 1, 2026 (15 days from our Oct 17, 2026 check); Techstars New York City closes Nov 18, 2026 (32 days from our Oct 17, 2026 check). a16z speedrun's date comes first.
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