a16z Launches New Media Fellowship to Cultivate Online Creators and Storytellers

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has officially launched the a16z New Media Fellowship, an initiative aimed at identifying and training individuals proficient in modern digital communication. Erik Torenberg, a General Partner at a16z, announced the program, humorously noting its informal moniker as "the Thiel Fellowship for the terminally online." The fellowship seeks to equip participants with skills in various new media formats, including X (formerly Twitter), essays, video production, podcasts, growth, and distribution.

The 8-week program, set to commence in January 2026, is designed for operators, creators, and storytellers. Fellows will gain access to the extensive a16z ecosystem, participate in exclusive workshops and talks, and attend the New Media Summit. A key component of the fellowship includes potential "forward-deployment" into an a16z portfolio company to collaborate on impactful launches, with opportunities to transition into full-time roles or even launch new ventures with a16z's support.

Erik Torenberg, who joined a16z as a General Partner in April 2025 following the acquisition of his media company Turpentine, is spearheading this initiative. His background includes co-founding Product Hunt, On Deck, and Village Global, establishing him as a significant figure in building tech communities and media platforms. Torenberg's appointment underscored a16z's strategic focus on integrating media and network efforts alongside traditional venture capital.

The fellowship aims to address the challenge of "finding highly functional people who are also very online," as stated by Torenberg. It reflects a16z's broader commitment to leveraging media and narrative control as a critical advantage for its portfolio companies and the venture capital landscape. Notable speakers for the program include a16z powerhouses Marc Andreessen and Katherine Boyle, alongside industry leaders like Lulu Cheng Meservey and Lenny Rachitsky.

By fostering talent in new media, a16z continues its "going direct" approach to marketing and communications, emphasizing the importance of founders and investors sharing their messages directly with their audiences. This strategy, championed by Torenberg, positions the firm at the intersection of investment, media, and community building, aiming to provide a competitive edge for the next generation of startups. Applications for the fellowship are being accepted on a rolling basis until December 31, 2025.