Moving On: Kofi Ampadu’s Departure from a16z Following TxO Program Pause

Kofi Ampadu Leaves a16z’s Talent x Opportunity Program

Kofi Ampadu, the former partner at a16z who spearheaded the firm’s Talent x Opportunity (TxO) fund and program, has departed from the company. This development follows the firm’s decision to halt TxO and lay off a majority of its staff in recent months.

In an email obtained by TechCrunch, Ampadu announced his departure on Friday afternoon under the subject line “Closing My a16z Chapter.” Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the program, he reflected on the impact of his work during his tenure at the firm.

Ampadu’s leadership of the TxO program, which commenced in 2020, spanned over four years until its temporary suspension in November of the previous year. Following the pause, Ampadu was involved with a16z’s accelerator, Speedrun.

The discontinuation of Ampadu’s role potentially marks the conclusion of the TxO initiative. This initiative was designed to support underserved entrepreneurs by granting them access to technology networks and investment capital through a donor-advised fund. While some founders praised the program, others raised concerns about its controversial donor-advised structure. Additionally, the program introduced a grant initiative in 2024, offering $50,000 to non-profit organizations aiding diverse founders.

The final cohort of the TxO program took place in March 2025, with its indefinite pause coinciding with a broader trend in the tech industry where prominent companies are reevaluating, reducing, or eliminating previous commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Requests for comments have been made to both a16z and Ampadu.

His complete message is as follows:

Upon arriving in the United States at the age of 10, I found myself thrust into a new school environment thousands of miles away from my homeland. Shortly thereafter, I was categorized as an English-as-a-Second-Language student, despite hailing from an English-speaking country like Ghana. This experience highlighted the systemic assumptions that dictate opportunities based on origin. The Talent x Opportunity Initiative aimed to challenge these biases in the venture ecosystem by investing in and nurturing exceptional founders who may not conform to traditional paths.

My tenure at the firm was marked by profound gratitude for the chance to lead this transformative work. Empowering entrepreneurs outside conventional networks to refine their concepts, secure funding, and evolve into resilient leaders was a deeply rewarding journey.

As I embark on the next phase of my career, I depart with a sense of accomplishment for the collaborative efforts that shaped this initiative. I extend my appreciation to all those who contributed to its success. The road ahead is filled with possibilities, and I eagerly anticipate continued growth and innovation.