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a16z Speedrun vs PearX (Pear VC)
Founders often weigh a16z Speedrun against PearX (Pear VC). Here's how the two compare on money, terms, format and selectivity — and how to decide.
Side by side
| a16z Speedrun | PearX (Pear VC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | $1M | $2M |
| Equity | — | — |
| Instrument | Equity | Equity |
| Program length | 3 months | 3 months |
| Location | San Francisco | Palo Alto |
| Remote | No | No |
| International founders | Accepted | Accepted |
| Stages | Pre-seed, Seed | Pre-seed, Seed |
| Applications | Multiple per year | Multiple per year |
| Cohort size | ~50 | ~20 |
| Acceptance rate | ~1% | ~3% |
| Questions on the form | 52 | 34 |
Terms change between batches — confirm on each program's official site before applying.
Key differences
- PearX (Pear VC) writes the bigger cheque: up to $2M, against $1M from a16z Speedrun.
- a16z Speedrun is based in San Francisco; PearX (Pear VC) in Palo Alto.
- a16z Speedrun is more selective (about 1% accepted vs 3%).
Choose a16z Speedrun if…
a16z's accelerator. Up to $1M + $5M in credits.
Andreessen Horowitz's flagship accelerator. 12-week in-person program in SF. Access to a16z's massive operational team for GTM, brand, media, and talent. $180M+ deployed since 2023.
How to apply to a16z Speedrun →Choose PearX (Pear VC) if…
$250K-$2M. Small cohorts, 1:1 partner support.
Pear VC's flagship accelerator. Highly personalized — small cohorts with dedicated partner support. 90% of graduates raise a seed round. Free office space for 6 months.
How to apply to PearX (Pear VC) →FAQ
Is a16z Speedrun better than PearX (Pear VC)?
Neither is better for everyone. PearX (Pear VC) writes the bigger cheque: up to $2M, against $1M from a16z Speedrun. a16z Speedrun is based in San Francisco; PearX (Pear VC) in Palo Alto. Choose by stage, sector, location and the terms you can accept — or apply to both.
Can I apply to both a16z Speedrun and PearX (Pear VC)?
Yes. Applying to several programs is normal, and many founders run applications in parallel. Most of the material — one-liner, traction, team, market — carries over between forms.
Which is harder to get into, a16z Speedrun or PearX (Pear VC)?
Both are selective. Estimates put a16z Speedrun at about 1% and PearX (Pear VC) at about 3% of applicants accepted. Neither publishes exact figures.
Why choose? Draft both applications from one profile.
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