Andreessen Horowitz Pauses Talent x Opportunity Fund
Andreessen Horowitz has decided to pause its Talent x Opportunity (TxO) fund and program, according to sources familiar with the matter. This decision has been confirmed by the firm, with participants in the program being notified via email.
The TxO fund was launched in 2020 to support founders who lack access to traditional venture networks. The program aimed to provide opportunities for underrepresented founders, including women and minorities who typically receive minimal venture capital funding.
Initially announced with $2.2 million in commitments, TxO received additional funding from a16z co-founder Ben Horowitz and his wife, Felicia, totaling up to $5 million. The program offered founders access to tech networks, a 16-week training program, and a $175,000 investment managed by the nonprofit Tides Foundation.
Over 60 companies, including Brown Girl Magazine, Myles Comfort Foods, and Villie, benefited from TxO’s support. Despite criticism for its nonprofit structure, founders praised the program for providing valuable support and opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise.
Following the announcement of the last cohort in early March 2025, participants received an email from Kofi Ampadu, the partner at a16z leading TxO, informing them of the program’s pause. Ampadu emphasized the need to refine how the program delivers on its mission of supporting talented founders.
“We’ve experimented with different models over the past five years to best serve founders. As we rethink our approach, we’ll integrate with a16z’s early-stage investing and company building strategy,” said Ampadu.
TxO has supported over 60 companies and almost 100 founders, raising millions in follow-on capital and reaching customers across various industries. The program fostered a strong community of founders who continue to support each other.
A16z’s decision to pause TxO comes amidst shifting priorities in the tech industry regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Despite this pause, the firm remains committed to supporting accelerator-type programs, as evidenced by the launch of Speedrun earlier this year.
While TxO did not specifically focus on founder diversity in its application process, it aimed to support entrepreneurs from underserved communities with great potential. The program’s hiatus reflects broader challenges in the tech industry regarding commitments to diversity and inclusion.
As the landscape of venture funding continues to evolve, founders will need to adapt to changing opportunities and resources. A16z’s decision to pause the TxO program underscores the ongoing need for innovative approaches to supporting underrepresented founders in the startup ecosystem.
