Kofi Ampadu, the partner at a16z who spearheaded the firm’s Talent x Opportunity (TxO) fund and program, has officially departed from the firm, as revealed in a staff email obtained by TechCrunch. This announcement follows the firm’s decision to pause the TxO initiative and subsequent layoffs of the majority of its team.
“I am incredibly appreciative of the opportunity and trust bestowed upon me to lead this important work during my tenure at the firm,” Ampadu stated in the email sent on Friday afternoon, titled “Closing My a16z Chapter.”
“Working to identify out-of-network entrepreneurs and assisting them as they refined their ideas, secured funding, and evolved into confident leaders was among the most fulfilling experiences of my career,” he elaborated.
Initially launched in 2020, Ampadu directed the program for over four years before its cessation last November, taking over from the inaugural leader, Nait Jones. Following this, it appears that Ampadu participated in a16z’s latest accelerator program, Speedrun.
Ampadu’s resignation may signify a conclusive end to the TxO initiative. The fund and program aimed to support underserved founders by granting access to technology networks and investment capital through a donor-advised fund. Although numerous founders praised the program, others raised concerns regarding the controversial structure of donor advisement. Additionally, the program launched a grant in 2024 to allocate $50,000 to nonprofits that assist diverse founders.
The final cohort occurred in March 2025, and its indefinite suspension took place amidst a broader trend where numerous prominent tech entities are reassessing, reducing, or outright eliminating their previous commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We have reached out to both a16z and Ampadu for further commentary.
Below is his full note:
I relocated to the United States three months prior to my 11th birthday. Shortly thereafter, I began 6th grade at a school situated over 5,000 miles from my home, friends, and everything I held dear. Recently, my mother reminded me that my school required me to register as an English-as-a-Second-Language student. Instantly, I recalled the confusion I felt at that age. Even at 10 years old, I knew it was illogical for a child from Ghana, an English-speaking nation, to be placed in a program for language learners.
This requirement stemmed from systemic assumptions about the capabilities of students from various backgrounds. It is this type of systemic bias that we aimed to confront through the Talent x Opportunity Initiative. The venture ecosystem frequently relies on metrics such as educational institutions, networks, and previous credentials, often obscuring talented founders who do not adhere to conventional paths. TxO was dedicated to investing in and supporting these overlooked entrepreneurs, bridging the divide between talent and opportunity.
During my tenure at the firm, I remained deeply thankful for the opportunity and trust to lead this vital work. Identifying and supporting out-of-network entrepreneurs as they refined their concepts, acquired funding, and matured into confident leaders ranks as one of the most significant experiences of my career.
As I transition to the next chapter of my journey, I take pride in what we have accomplished and express my gratitude to everyone who played a role in this endeavor. Thank you for your trust, collaboration, and belief in what is achievable. The work ahead remains substantial, and I am eager to continue building.
