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Andreessen Horowitz backs alternative academy with prominent tech partners

A new venture-backed school plans tuition-free entry in 2027 before moving to paid enrollment.

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 15:13 UTC3 reports

The short version

  • Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and partner tech firms established the Horowitz Andreessen Academy with $42 million in funding.[Business Insider · CBS News · The Verge]
  • The for-profit, unaccredited program replaces traditional homework and degrees with company co-ops and self-directed technical projects.[Business Insider · CBS News · The Verge]
  • An initial class of roughly 50 students will attend tuition-free starting in September 2027.[Business Insider · CBS News]
  • The academy intends to transition into a two-year paid model in 2028, pending required regulatory approvals.[Business Insider · CBS News]

Key facts

  • Andreessen Horowitz led a $42 million investment round to launch the Horowitz Andreessen Academy alongside partners including Google, Meta, and Palantir.[Business Insider · CBS News · The Verge]
  • The institution operates as a for-profit entity and offers no formal degree, accreditation, tests, or traditional homework.[Business Insider · CBS News · The Verge]
  • The inaugural 2027 fellowship will accept about 50 students on a tuition-free basis in San Francisco.[Business Insider · CBS News]
  • Udemy cofounder Gagan Biyani serves as CEO, with Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and Erik Torenberg involved in leadership and governance.[Business Insider]
  • Organizers plan to expand into a two-year paid program by 2028 with tuition matching elite private universities, subject to regulatory clearance.[Business Insider · CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • The exact role of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman remains unclear, with accounts conflicting over whether he will serve as a regular course instructor or a guest lecturer.[Business Insider · CBS News · The Verge]
  • The timeline and execution of the proposed 2028 paid two-year curriculum depend on obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.[Business Insider · CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.