Live Feeds
● TRACKER Updated 8d ago · 46 sources tracked

Andreessen Horowitz is launching an ‘academy’ with no homework and partnerships with Palantir, Google, and Meta

Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is launching a two-year institution called the Horowitz Andreessen Academy, or HAA, located in San Francisco. The program is tailored for young people aged 16 to 22, prioritizing recent high school graduates while also accepting students with one or two years of college experience. Backed by an investment of 35 million dollars from Andreessen Horowitz alongside other founding partners, the tuition-free fellowship plans to admit about 50 students for its inaugural autumn 2027 enrollment. The curriculum focuses on hands-on projects and guidance from the venture firm's network rather than traditional exams.

🎙️

Listen to Live Briefing

Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk

⏱ ~3 min
Speed:
RSS Source map (46)
⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
Text size:
  • ✓ Andreessen Horowitz announced a new two-year institution named Horowitz Andreessen Academy, or HAA, located in San Francisco.
  • ✓ The academy targets individuals aged 16 to 22, giving priority to recent high school graduates while accepting students with one or two years of college.
  • ✓ The inaugural class is slated for autumn 2027 with an estimated 50 students enrolled tuition-free for the first year.
  • ✓ Andreessen Horowitz committed 35 million dollars to back the academy alongside other founding partners.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 46 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Corroborated details reveal the academy's official name, age bracket, and a 35 million dollar funding commitment from the venture firm.

Live updates

  1. Andreessen Horowitz Launches Horowitz Andreessen Academy

    Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is launching a two-year institution called the Horowitz Andreessen Academy, or HAA, located in San Francisco. The program is tailored for young people aged 16 to 22, prioritizing recent high school graduates while also accepting students with one or two years of college experience. Backed by an investment of 35 million dollars from Andreessen Horowitz alongside other founding partners, the tuition-free fellowship plans to admit about 50 students for its inaugural autumn 2027 enrollment. The curriculum focuses on hands-on projects and guidance from the venture firm's network rather than traditional exams.

    Why it matters

    The establishment of the academy coincides with broader shifts at Andreessen Horowitz, which recently rebranded its blockchain-focused fund to incorporate artificial intelligence and robotics. Alternative educational models are gaining traction as venture firms seek to cultivate technical founders outside standard university pathways. The initiative addresses growing demand for hands-on technical training geared directly toward building startups.

    What is confirmed

    • Andreessen Horowitz announced a new two-year institution named Horowitz Andreessen Academy, or HAA, located in San Francisco.
    • The academy targets individuals aged 16 to 22, giving priority to recent high school graduates while accepting students with one or two years of college.
    • The inaugural class is slated for autumn 2027 with an estimated 50 students enrolled tuition-free for the first year.
    • Andreessen Horowitz committed 35 million dollars to back the academy alongside other founding partners.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The academy's curriculum will completely eliminate opportunity costs and degrees without employer oversight by 2036.

    What to watch next

    • Recruitment announcements for the inaugural 2027 cohort
    • Additional partnership disclosures from founding organizations
    Sources used for this update (13)
    1. www.whatifmag.com — The Portfolio Needed a Witness: How the Class of 2027 Skipped ...
    2. news.qq.com — 硅谷又办了一所大学，这次能成吗？_腾讯新闻
    3. a16z.com — a16z Frontier | Andreessen Horowitz
    4. fortune.com — Venture giant Andreessen Horowitz drops ‘crypto’ from name of ...
    5. superpowerdaily.com — Outdoor Discussion Walk: Future of AI Education | a16z Academy
    6. aiweekly.co — Andreessen Horowitz Rebrands $2.2B 'a16z Crypto' Fund as ...
    7. www.zdnet.com — I tried OpenAI Academy’s free AI courses - and the ... - ZDNET
    8. gizmodo.com — The AI-Centric Private School Chain Reportedly Isn't Meeting ...
    9. www.radio.gov.pk — MoITT, Meta launch Small Business Growth Academy in Pakistan
    10. saudipress.com — Saudi Arabia's $40 Billion AI Fund: PIF and Andreessen ...
    11. techcrunch.com — Ex-Palantir execs launch Dream with $17M from a16z to build ...
    12. www.foundra.ai — Two Ex-Palantir Execs Skipped Architecture. a16z Backed Them.
    confidence 100%

  2. Gagan Biyani leads Andreessen Horowitz AI academy for young builders

    CEO Gagan Biyani is directing the Horowitz Andreessen Academy, a tuition-free San Francisco program for recent high school graduates creating AI startups. The institution rejects traditional academic credentials, exams, and homework in favor of a builder-centric model. Backed by a $42 million funding initiative, the academy will launch its first 50-student fellowship in 2027. The program utilizes partnerships with Google, Meta, and Palantir to provide an alternative to college for technical founders.

    Why it matters

    The academy reflects a broader shift toward skill-based certification over traditional degrees in the AI sector. Andreessen Horowitz is simultaneously expanding its influence in tech media and physical AI investments.

    What is confirmed

    • The Horowitz Andreessen Academy is a tuition-free program in San Francisco for recent high school graduates building AI startups.
    • Gagan Biyani serves as the leader of the academy.
    • The program operates without homework or conventional exams.
    • A $42 million funding initiative supports the institution.
    • The inaugural fellowship will consist of 50 students in 2027.
    • The academy partners with Google, Meta, and Palantir.

    What to watch next

    • Application opening dates for the 2027 fellowship
    • Specific curriculum details for the builder-centric model
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. statusgator.com — Google Gemini Status. Check if Google Gemini is down or having an ...
    2. www.europesays.com — Andreessen Horowitz AI academy challenges traditional college ...
    3. www.cbsnews.com — This teacherless school says AI can teach students in 2 hours ...
    4. londondaily.com — The new media mogul: Andreessen Horowitz - London Daily
    5. www.unite.ai — Eka Robotics Secures Series A Funding Led by Andreessen Horowitz
    6. fortune.com — Lumen CEO: There's a new era of CEO partnerships as boards ...
    confidence 100%

  3. Andreessen Horowitz Launches Horowitz Andreessen Academy

    Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is launching the Horowitz Andreessen Academy, a tuition-free program located in San Francisco designed for recent high school graduates building artificial intelligence startups. Directed by Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani, the institution operates without conventional exams or homework. The program is spearheaded by a $42 million funding initiative and prepares to launch its inaugural 50-student fellowship in the year 2027. It establishes networks and partnerships with major technology companies including Google, Meta, and Palantir to serve as an alternative path for young tech builders.

    Why it matters

    The academy reflects a broader shift by Silicon Valley venture capital firms to bypass traditional higher education and cultivate talent directly for the artificial intelligence sector. By prioritizing startup building over standard testing, the institution tests whether targeted, industry-linked fellowships can supply the next generation of tech workers. The program focuses on proof of work as an alternative path to landing a job.

    What is confirmed

    • Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is launching the Horowitz Andreessen Academy, a tuition-free program in San Francisco for high school graduates building AI startups.
    • Horowitz Andreessen Academy CEO Gagan Biyani explains the program is betting on proof of work as an alternative path for young tech builders.
    • The institution focuses on artificial intelligence product development and company building while operating without conventional exams or homework.
    • The academy is spearheaded by a $42 million funding initiative and has established networks with Google, Meta, and Palantir.
    • The school prepares to launch its inaugural 50-student fellowship in the year 2027.

    What to watch next

    • Announcement of the specific application criteria and selection process for the inaugural 50-student fellowship.
    • Further details on curriculum structure and day-to-day operations from CEO Gagan Biyani.
    • Confirmation of additional corporate partnerships beyond Google, Meta, and Palantir.
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. builtin.com — The Horowitz Andreessen Academy: a16z's AI and Startup School ...
    2. eu.36kr.com — Top-Tier Venture Capital Firms Launch Their Own Universities ...
    3. www.foxbusiness.com — Inside Silicon Valley's bet on a new path to landing a job in the AI era - Fox Business
    4. thenyledger.com — Inside Silicon Valley’s bet on a new path to landing a job in ...
    5. www.vibetrader.com — Andreessen Horowitz Launches Tuition-Free AI Academy Backed ...
    confidence 100%

  4. Andreessen Horowitz Launches Horowitz Andreessen Academy

    Venture capital firm a16z is spearheading a $42 million funding initiative to launch a tuition-free academy in San Francisco for recent high school graduates. The institution focuses on artificial intelligence product development and company building while operating without conventional exams or homework. Directed by Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani, the academy has established networks and partnerships with major technology companies including Google, Meta, and Palantir. The school prepares to launch its inaugural 50-student fellowship in the year 2027.

    Why it matters

    The establishment of alternative educational programs by major venture capital firms signals a growing push to bypass traditional higher education systems. By targeting recent high school graduates with specialized training in artificial intelligence product development, backers aim to accelerate talent pipelines directly into the technology sector. Partnerships with industry giants like Google, Meta, and Palantir provide students with direct corporate connections and practical applications for their work.

    What is confirmed

    • Andreessen Horowitz is launching a tuition-free academy in San Francisco called the Horowitz Andreessen Academy.
    • The program is directed by Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani and funded through a $42 million initiative.
    • The academy features partnerships with Google, Meta, and Palantir.

    What to watch next

    • The launch of the inaugural 50-student fellowship in 2027.
    • Further announcements regarding curriculum details and faculty appointments.
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. hurratul.substack.com — The U Lab Brief 31 | a16z Announces Horowitz Andreessen Academy
    2. techcrunch.com — At 19, founder raises $11M for Ghost, maker of a $3,499 ...
    3. fortune.com — Adam Neumann says a car ride with Masayoshi Son is when ...
    4. civitassnippets.substack.com — Civitas Snippets - October 4, 2026
    5. a16z.com — The Top 100 Gen AI Consumer Apps — 7th Edition | Andreessen ...
    confidence 100%

  5. Andreessen Horowitz Launches Free AI Academy in San Francisco

    Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is spearheading a $42 million funding initiative to launch a tuition-free academy in San Francisco. The program serves as an alternative to traditional higher education for recent high school graduates, focusing on artificial intelligence product development and company building without conventional exams or homework. Directed by Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani, the academy has established networks and partnerships with major technology companies including Google, Meta, and Palantir. The institution is preparing to launch its inaugural 50-student fellowship in the year 2027.

    Why it matters

    Traditional educational institutions face mounting disruption as artificial intelligence reshapes the fundamental purpose of learning and school systems grapple with declining literacy rates and administrative challenges. By bypassing conventional homework and testing, this initiative models a direct pipeline from secondary education into the technology sector. The program operates against a backdrop of strain in public school districts, contrasting with the rapid expansion of privately backed alternative training models.

    What is confirmed

    • Andreessen Horowitz is leading $42 million in funding for a tuition-free San Francisco AI academy launching its first 50-student fellowship in 2027.
    • The Horowitz Andreessen Academy in San Francisco provides a tuition-free, one-year alternative to traditional college for recent high school graduates.
    • The curriculum discards conventional exams and homework in favor of practical artificial intelligence product development and company building.
    • The institution is directed by Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani and supported by partnerships with enterprises including Meta, Google, Palantir, OpenAI, Anthropic, and NVIDIA.

    What to watch next

    • Selection and announcement of the first 50-student fellowship cohort for 2027
    • Further curriculum details regarding the practical AI product development model
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. www.wealthiertoday.com — Andreessen Horowitz Leads $42 Million Bet to Train the Future ...
    2. sfstandard.com — The School Wars - The San Francisco Standard
    confidence 90%

  6. Andreessen Horowitz Launches Tech Academy

    Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz established the Horowitz Andreessen Academy in San Francisco, providing a tuition-free, one-year alternative to traditional college for recent high school graduates. Supported by $42 million in funding and directed by Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani, the curriculum discards conventional exams and homework in favor of practical artificial intelligence product development and company building. The institution established partnerships and networks with major technology enterprises, including Meta, Google, Palantir, OpenAI, Anthropic, and NVIDIA.

    Why it matters

    The program targets a shift in technical education by replacing traditional academic structures with direct industry integration. Backed by substantial venture capital funding, the academy aims to accelerate workforce entry for young engineers.

    What is confirmed

    • Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz launched the Horowitz Andreessen Academy in San Francisco.
    • The school offers a tuition-free, one-year alternative to traditional college backed by $42 million in funding.
    • The program is led by Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani.

    What to watch next

    • Student enrollment numbers and demographic details for the inaugural class
    • Curriculum specifics and project outcomes from the industry partnerships
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. en.wikipedia.org — One Less Lonely Girl - Wikipedia
    2. open.spotify.com — One Less Lonely Girl - song and lyrics by Justin Bieber | Spotify
    confidence 100%

  7. Andreessen Horowitz Launches $42 Million Tuition-Free AI Academy

    Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz has launched the Horowitz Andreessen Academy in San Francisco, offering a tuition-free, one-year alternative to traditional college for recent high school graduates. Backed by $42 million in funding and led by Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani, the school skips exams and homework to focus on hands-on AI product development and company building. The program has secured partnerships and networks with major technology companies, including Meta, Google, Palantir, OpenAI, Anthropic, and NVIDIA.

    Why it matters

    This education model challenges the standard four-year university degree and the Silicon Valley tradition of college dropouts by providing a direct pipeline for young entrepreneurs. High-profile executives such as Jensen Huang and Satya Nadella are slated to teach at the new institution. The initiative represents a direct move by venture capital into shaping the training ground for future artificial intelligence founders.

    What is confirmed

    • Andreessen Horowitz is backing the Horowitz Andreessen Academy with $42 million.
    • The academy is located in San Francisco and offers a tuition-free, one-year program for recent high school graduates.
    • The school is led by Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani.
    • Jensen Huang and Satya Nadella are set to teach at the school.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The academy will feature teaching involvement from specific tech leaders like Jensen Huang and Satya Nadella.

    What to watch next

    • Enrollment numbers for the inaugural cohort
    • Announcements of additional faculty members
    • Launch of student company placements
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. www.foxbusiness.com — Silicon Valley academy offers tuition-free alternative to college for young tech builders
    2. www.govtech.com — Horowitz Andreessen Launches Academy for Students Building AI ...
    3. iblnews.org — VC Firm Andreessen Horowitz Launches a College Alternative for AI Entrepreneurs
    4. adalytica.com — Andreessen Horowitz opens AI academy in San Francisco
    5. www.educationtimes.com — Jensen Huang, Satya Nadella to teach at New Silicon Valley ...
    6. finance.yahoo.com — Want to Skip College for a Year to Learn AI? This Silicon ...
    7. www.edtechinnovationhub.com — Horowitz Andreessen Academy raises $42m for new school | ETIH ...
    confidence 95%

  8. Andreessen Horowitz Launches Academy For Young Tech Builders

    Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is launching the Horowitz Andreessen Academy in San Francisco, targeting young people who want to build technology, products, and companies. The alternative school removes homework from its curriculum and secures partnerships with Meta, Google, and Palantir. This initiative challenges standard academic paths and the Silicon Valley tradition of celebrating college drop-outs. The program focuses on hands-on company building rather than traditional classroom instruction.

    Why it matters

    Andreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z, was founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the private firm invests across multiple industries including education, AI, healthcare, and enterprise software. Marc Andreessen co-authored the Mosaic web browser, co-founded Netscape, and holds an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion as of June 2026 according to Forbes.

    What is confirmed

    • Andreessen Horowitz is establishing the Horowitz Andreessen Academy in San Francisco as an alternative to traditional college.
    • The academy explicitly removes homework from its curriculum and targets young people interested in building technology and companies.
    • The program features partnerships with Meta, Google, and Palantir.
    • Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz founded Andreessen Horowitz in 2009 in Menlo Park, California.
    • Forbes estimated Marc Andreessen's net worth at $1.9 billion as of June 2026.

    What to watch next

    • Enrollment numbers and candidate selection criteria for the inaugural class
    • Curriculum details regarding how technical training will be delivered without homework
    • Further announcements concerning the depth of partnerships with Meta, Google, and Palantir
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. en.wikipedia.org — Marc Andreessen - Wikipedia
    2. a16z.com — Andreessen Horowitz | Software Is Eating the World
    3. en.wikipedia.org — Andreessen Horowitz - Wikipedia
    4. www.forbes.com — Marc Andreessen - Forbes
    5. a16z.com — About - Andreessen Horowitz
    6. www.a16z.news — Introducing The Horowitz Andreessen Academy - a16z.news
    confidence 100%

  9. Andreessen Horowitz launches AI academy as college alternative

    Andreessen Horowitz is establishing the Horowitz Andreessen Academy, a San Francisco based school designed as an alternative to traditional college. The academy targets young people interested in building technology, products, and companies. The program features partnerships with Meta, Google, and Palantir and explicitly removes homework from its curriculum. This initiative positions the venture capital firm as a direct challenger to the standard academic path and the Silicon Valley trend of celebrating college drop-outs.

    Why it matters

    The move reflects a broader push by the tech elite to fund non-traditional education models. By integrating AI companies and venture capital, the academy aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industry application.

    What is confirmed

    • Andreessen Horowitz is launching the Horowitz Andreessen Academy.
    • The school is positioned as an alternative to college.
    • The academy is located in San Francisco.
    • Partnerships for the academy include Google, Meta, and Palantir.
    • The curriculum contains no homework.

    What to watch next

    • Details on the admissions process and student selection criteria
    • Specific curriculum requirements and graduation outcomes
    • Official launch date for the first cohort of students
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. theverge.com — Andreessen Horowitz is launching an ‘academy’ with no homework and partnerships with Palantir, Google, and Meta
    2. Bloomberg.com — Andreessen Horowitz Launches AI School as a College Alternative
    3. Andreessen Horowitz — Incubating The Horowitz Andreessen Academy
    4. TechCrunch — a16z is challenging Silicon Valley’s love for drop-outs by launching a school
    5. WSJ — Exclusive | The Tech Elite Is Funding an Alternative to College
    6. San Francisco Chronicle — Powerful AI companies and VCs unveil plans for new S.F. tech school for the ‘young, hungry’
    7. CBS News — Andreessen Horowitz launches AI school as college alternative
    8. diyatvusa.com — Andreessen Horowitz backs new San Francisco college alternative
    confidence 100%
📊

Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?

Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community