Sarah Kim
General Partner
a16z
“I back founders who see a brighter future and have the courage to build it.”
EXPERIENCE • PERSPECTIVE • A BRIGHTER TOMORROW
MEET THE JUDGES
SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT.
World-class founders, investors, and operators who evaluate,
mentor, and champion the next generation of bold ideas.
50+Expert judges
$10B+Capital deployed
200+Startups backed
Real impactAcross industries
BOLD
IDEAS
BETTER
TOMORROWS
IDEAS
BETTER
TOMORROWS
PEOPLE
IDEAS
CAPITAL
IMPACT
IDEAS
CAPITAL
IMPACT
“Great founders aren't just
funded — they're believed in.”— Startup Forge
funded — they're believed in.”— Startup Forge
FEATURED JUDGES
Meet a few of the incredible leaders evaluating this cohort.
Marcus Torres
Partner
Sequoia Capital
“Great companies solve real problems with relentless execution.”
Elena Rodriguez
Founding Partner
Illuminate Ventures
“Bold ideas and diverse founders are essential to a more resilient world.”
David Park
Operating Partner
Google Ventures
“I love working with founders who turn impossibilities into inevitabilities.”
ALL JUDGES
Browse and filter our full judge network.
“I back founders who see a brighter future and have the courage to build it.”
“Great companies solve real problems with relentless execution.”
“Bold ideas and diverse founders are essential to a more resilient world.”
“I love working with founders who turn impossibilities into inevitabilities.”
“Backs exceptional founders from idea to global scale.”
“Passionate about helping founders build enduring companies.”
“Scientist, investor, and builder at the intersection of health and human potential.”
“Invests in people who reimagine how the world lives, works, and connects.”
“Helps founders scale with discipline and heart.”
“Backs innovation for a healthier, more equitable planet.”
“Believes in technology that expands opportunity for everyone.”
“Builds, scales, and supports world-class product teams.”
HOW JUDGING WORKS
A fair, transparent process designed to spotlight the strongest founders.
01
Independent ReviewEach application is reviewed by a panel of judges based on established criteria.
02
In-Depth DiscussionsTop startups are discussed in panel sessions to reach a consensus.
03
Pitch NightFinalists pitch live to our full judging panel, investors, and community.
04
Feedback & Next StepsAll founders receive feedback, and top teams unlock next opportunities.
WHAT JUDGES EVALUATE
Startups are assessed on multiple dimensions, including:
InnovationIs the idea novel, defensible, and truly differentiated?
Market OpportunityIs there a large, real market and clear path to growth?
TeamDoes the team have the expertise, resilience, and vision to execute?
ImpactCan this create meaningful, lasting positive change?
JUDGING TIMELINE Key dates for the Q4 2026 cohort.
OCT 1 – NOV 15Application ReviewJudges review all submissions
NOV 16 – DEC 5Panel DiscussionsTop startups selected for pitch
DEC 15, 2026Pitch NightFinalists pitch live to judges & investors
DEC 16 – 20Final DecisionsWinners announced and next steps
Community Voice: 15% of the Final Decision
Our community helps shape the future. Public voting counts for 15% of the final decision, alongside 85% from expert judges.
15%Community
Vote
Vote
Final Decision Breakdown
15%85%
Community Vote (15%)Global community of builders, operators, and supporters
Judge Scores (85%)Expert panel evaluation across key criteria