Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Procedure
Taxied out to Runway XX for takeoff. Instructed to hold short of taxiway. Upon arriving at taxiway; told to switch to Tower and given takeoff clearance.  About the same time; the FO reminded me that the takeoff checklist was not completed. Completed take off briefing and checklist as we approached runway.  Aircraft weight was 230;000. TO data called for max power.  Due to our light weight aircraft accelerated very quickly.  Once airborne we cleaned up the flaps and leveled at 3;000 feet. As we leveled I was still hand flying as I was unable to get the auto pilot on due to how quickly the airplane was climbing. Speed was now exceeding 250 knots.  I clicked the auto throttles off and realized we had not armed LNAV/VNAV for takeoff. It was quickly selected and once course and speed corrections where completed; automation was selected on.  About the same time we were given higher and the rest of the flight was uneventful.As is usually the case this report was compounded by several items.  The most significant was not arming LNAV/VNAV for departure.  This was attributed to rushing the briefing due to calling for the Takeoff checklist late as we approached the runway for takeoff.  Another obvious issue was the very fast acceleration and climb due to max power takeoff and a light aircraft. Due to city traffic we arrived later than normal to the aircraft. This aircraft had multiple deferrals that took time and as well.  None extremely significant on their own but when place together it caused the issue that lead to this report. First Officer and I reviewed our actions and fully understand the importance of making sure our pre-flight; briefings and checklists are properly completed.
Air carrier Captain reported taking off and being very light and realizing they did not arm the LNAV/VNAV for departure.