Filipino Gen Z startup with Ateneo alumni talent joins a16z SPEEDRUN Tech X Games Accelerator

Clout Kitchen, a consumer AI startup founded in Manila, is making history as the first Filipino startup to be accepted into Andreessen Horowitz’s (a16z) prestigious SPEEDRUN tech x games accelerator in Los Angeles, securing US$1.2M (PHP69M) in funding. 

a16z is a top venture capital firm based in San Francisco that invests in entrepreneurs and startups building the future with technology. Notable companies that a16z has invested in include Airbnb, Facebook, OpenAI, and more, with US$43B in committed capital across multiple funds. 

With a ~1% acceptance rate in the previous SPEEDRUN cohort, selected startups undergo an intensive 12-week program in Los Angeles, receiving support from industry mentors, a community of ambitious founders, and funding. The program culminates with Demo Day, where the founders present to investors across tech and games.

Among Clout Kitchen’s team are Ateneo alumni Brent Anonas (BS CS ‘18), Chris Isidro (BS CS ‘17), Pauline Baterna (BS ITE ‘22), Piper Berbano (BS CTM ‘23), and Sheanne Cabantac (BS ECE ‘18) who have been active operators in the Philippine startup ecosystem. The startup was previously backed by Southeast Asian funds Founders Launchpad, AppWorks, and Antler. 

Launched in 2024, Clout Kitchen builds creator-powered interactive experiences, partnering with top gaming and pop culture creators to engage in innovative new ways with their audience and grow their fandom – anytime, anywhere. The company is spearheaded by co-founders and serial entrepreneurs Justin Gorriceta-Banusing (Founder of AcadArena, a Series A scholastic gaming network across Southeast Asia and Latin America) and Gab Lopez (Founder of MedHyve, recognized as the youngest venture-backed founder in the Philippines).

"At a16z, we believe in the transformative power of technology and games to reshape how we connect, create, and experience the world. Clout Kitchen embodies this vision wholly, and we are thrilled to support their journey as they pioneer new ways for fans to engage with the creators and games they love," Jack Soslow, Investment Partner, A16Z GAMES.

Clout Kitchen's debut product, Backseat AI, is revolutionizing how gamers experience League of Legends with an in-game “buddy” – providing real-time coaching and commentary for players in the voice and character of their favorite creators. Co-built with Tyler “Tyler1” Steinkamp, one of the world’s most popular gaming content creators with over 20 million followers, the app and its roster of buddies are continuing to expand with more creators lined up in the coming months. Since launching in June, Backseat AI has amassed over 45,000 signups.

About SPEEDRUN: 

SPEEDRUN is A16Z GAMES’ accelerator for startups at the intersection of tech and games. The intensive 12-week program is highly selective, and chosen participants receive funding from A16Z GAMES, mentorship from a curated set of industry leaders, and the support of a community of ambitious, like-minded founders. The program culminates with Demo Day, where the founders present to investors across tech and games.

A16Z GAMES is committed to empowering founders to reinvent the tech and games industries by supporting startups from pre-seed through launch and beyond. The future is interactive.