Venture capital firm a16z has announced the formation of a new media team and the launch of the "New Media Fellowship," aiming to support tech startups in the digital age. The initiative, revealed by a16z partner Erik Torenberg, seeks to enhance brand building and content distribution for startups, offering narrative support through podcasts, videos, and community content. The fellowship, set to begin in early 2026, is designed to nurture "highly online" creators, drawing parallels to the Thiel Fellowship. a16z positions itself as the "CAA of the tech world," referencing the renowned Creative Artists Agency, to emphasize its commitment to empowering founders beyond traditional investment. The firm aims to help startups control their narratives and amplify their influence, similar to how CAA supports actors in the entertainment industry.