A16z's Gaming Fund Set to Inject $30 Million into Gaming Startups

Andreessen Horowitz, a prominent venture capital firm, has revealed plans to allocate $30 million across various gaming-related technology startups through its gaming fund, according to report by The Block.

The a16z gaming fund, established in 2022, targets investments in a spectrum of gaming-adjacent technologies, encompassing web3 innovations.

Andrew Chen, General Partner at a16z, disclosed the initiative via X, stating, "I'm investing $30 million in the next 45 days via the a16z Speedrun program." Chen outlined that the program would allocate $750,000 per startup joining the initiative, providing investment, mentorship, and exposure to leading investors and mentors.

Chen is closely involved with Game Fund One, a $600 million fund introduced nearly two years ago. While Game Fund One encompasses diverse gaming-adjacent technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality, it also supports web3 startups.

Game Fund One boasts participation from luminaries in the tech and gaming sphere, including founders from Roblox, Discord, Riot Games, and Sky Mavis. Notably, Sky Mavis, the creators of "Axie Infinity," the pioneering blockchain game, are among the fund's contributors. Concurrently, a16z's crypto division has made investments in blockchain-based gaming enterprises, including Mythical Games and Voldex.

In addition to Game Fund One, a16z operates Speedrun, an early-stage accelerator targeting startups at the convergence of gaming and technology. Chen described Speedrun as a highly selective 12-week program offering capital and access to industry coaches, mentors, and a community of driven founders.