**The Curtain Closes on a16z’s Expertise x Alternative Program: Kofi Ampadu Moves On**
In a quiet move, a16z partner Kofi Ampadu has announced his departure from the agency, leaving the future of the Expertise x Alternative (TxO) program hanging in the balance. The program, which aimed to support underrepresented founders, has been on hold since November, and it’s unclear if it will continue without Ampadu at the helm.
As I dug through the details of Ampadu’s parting message, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the progress that had been made. Ampadu took over the program from Nait Jones in 2020 and led it for over four years, working tirelessly to provide access to tech networks and funding capital for underrepresented founders.
Though not without its criticisms, the program had its champions, and I’ve heard from founders who credit TxO with helping them get their foot in the door. The program also launched a grant program in 2024, offering $50,000 to nonprofits supporting diverse founders – a move that seemed like a step in the right direction.
But, as Ampadu’s message hints, the program’s structure was always a sticking point. The donor-advised fund model raised eyebrows among some in the community, and it’s unclear if the program will be revamped or revived under new leadership.
**A New Chapter for a16z’s Diversity Initiatives?**
Ampadu’s departure could mark the end of an era for a16z’s diversity initiatives, which have been undergoing some significant changes in recent months. The firm has been tweaking its approach, and it’s unclear what the future holds. As someone who followed the program’s progress, I’m left wondering if this means the end of a16z’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Ampadu’s parting words offer a poignant reminder of the program’s impact, and the challenges that underrepresented founders still face. He writes:
“That same sort of systemic assumption is what we set out to challenge through the Expertise x Alternative Initiative. The business ecosystem often relies on proxies such as schools, networks, and prior credentials, which may obscure unique founders who don’t follow the usual paths. TxO invested in and supported these neglected founders to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.”
Only time will tell if a16z will revive the program or chart a new course. For now, I’m left with a sense of uncertainty and a deep appreciation for the work that Ampadu and TxO did to support underrepresented founders.
