Sean Wu, Pepperdine’s First Rhodes Scholar, Earns Prestigious a16z Speedrun Alpha Fellowship

Sean Wu (‘25), Pepperdine University’s first Rhodes scholar, was recently named to the inaugural cohort of the a16z Speedrun Alpha fellowship program—an initiative launched by the venture capital firm Andreessen Horwitz to empower young innovators, builders, and founders. 

As a member of this first-of-its-kind collective, Wu received a $250,000 grant to explore and ultimately launch his own technology startup. In addition to these funds, he was invited to spend eight weeks in San Francisco learning from already established technologists and entrepreneurs, while also forging a network with the 12 other members of his a16z class, who hail from all over the United States. 

“I come from a pure research background; so everything about this opportunity was new,” says Wu. “As an academic, we typically create a paper that some people might read. However, creating a  startup gives you the opportunity to build something that people want right away—something that can actually improve their lives. That's exciting, and to have the funding to do it is amazing.”

Wu originally applied to Speedrun while still completing his master’s degrees in engineering science at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Inspired by the firm’s vast and successful portfolio, which includes companies like SpaceX, Oculus, and even Facebook, the Seaver alumnus considered the opportunity an exciting chance to learn more about applying his wisdom and skills as an AI researcher to the private marketplace. 

Already an established academician, Wu’s early work at Pepperdine analyzed how artificial intelligence can contribute to the healthcare industry. Specifically, his research projects studied how the groundbreaking technology could help in the diagnosis of strokes and kidney disease, and how it could improve ophthalmological care. As an a16z fellow, he sought to discover how this background could help expand his scholarly interests into an entrepreneurial enterprise. 

“The experience with a16z  taught us how to take our ideas to the market,” explains Wu. “It also gave us a community. It was nice to meet other aspiring founders who think just as technically as I do and are also trying to build a startup.”

In total, more than 11,000 people applied to be a part of the inaugural a16z Speedrun Alpha cohort. Wu was one of 13 individuals selected for the prestigious fellowship. The Seaver alumnus, who is now working toward his PhD in computer science at Stanford University, credits his Pepperdine education and the experiential learning he received on campus as key factors in earning the opportunity. 

“Not too many people are able to seriously research AI and healthcare as an undergraduate,” says Wu. “My professor, Fabien Scalzo, opened that door for me at Pepperdine. And with that, when a16z asked about my college degree, I could tell them that the institution I attended focussed on educating the heart as well as the brain, that it was a holistic experience, which will inevitably help me as an innovator and mission-driven founder of a startup.”