a16z Podcast: The Politics of Technology

This week on the a16z Podcast, we're sharing a feed drop from Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, featuring a wide-ranging conversation with a16z cofounder Ben Horowitz.Artificial intelligence isn't just a tool — it's a tectonic shift. In this episode, Ben joins Tom to break down what AI really is (and isn't), where it's taking us, and why it matters. They dive into the historical parallels, the looming policy battles, and how innovation cycles have always created — not destroyed — opportunity.From the future of work and education to the global AI race and the role of blockchain in preserving trust, Ben shares hard-won insights from decades at the forefront of technological disruption. It's a masterclass in long-term thinking for anyone building, investing, or navigating what's coming next.Resources: Listen to more episodes of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu: https://link.chtbl.com/impacttheoryWatch full conversations on YouTube: youtube.com/tombilyeuFollow Tom on Instagram: @tombilyeuLearn more about Impact Theory: impacttheory.comTimecodes: 00:00 Introduction to Impact Theory with Ben Horowitz01:12 The Disruptive Power of AI02:01 Understanding AI and Its Implications04:19 The Future of Jobs in an AI-Driven World06:52 Human Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence10:31 The Role of AI in Society21:41 AI and the Future of Work35:07 The AI Race: US vs. China41:25 The Importance of Blockchain in an AI World44:26 Government Regulation and Blockchain45:16 The Need for Stablecoins45:45 Energy Challenges and AI49:53 Market Structure Bill and Token Regulation53:51 Blockchain's Trust and Adoption01:04:17 Elon Musk's Government Involvement01:12:03 Historical Figures and Modern Parallels01:18:41 AI and Creativity in Business01:21:29 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsStay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures

11 Juli 1h 22min

a16z Crypto General Partners Ali Yahya, Arianna Simpson, and Erik Torenberg break down what’s actually working in crypto today - starting with the rise of stablecoins as a real-world payments layer. They discuss how stablecoins are being adopted by companies like Stripe and SpaceX, why regulatory shifts are opening new doors for crypto startups, and how AI and crypto are beginning to intersect.They also cover:The future of decentralized social networksWhere Ethereum, Solana, and others stand todayMisconceptions still holding the space backA grounded conversation on what’s real, what’s hype, and where crypto’s finally finding traction.Timecodes:00:00 Introduction to Crypto and AI00:16 The Rise of Stable Coins00:40 Current State of Crypto02:02 Deep Dive into Stable Coins07:39 Institutional and Consumer Adoption22:09 The Future of Crypto and AI29:13 Misconceptions and Policy Changes33:06 Smart Contract Platforms36:14 Closing ThoughtsResources: Find Ali on X: https://x.com/alive_ethFind Arianna on X: https://x.com/AriannaSimpsonStay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures

9 Juli 37min

On this episode, taken from The Ben & Marc Show, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz dive deep into the unfiltered story behind the founding of Andreessen Horowitz—and how they set out to reinvent venture capital itself. For the first time, Marc and Ben walk through the origins, strategy, and philosophy behind building a world-class venture capital firm designed for the future—not just the next fund. They reveal how they broke industry norms with a bold brand, a full-stack support model, and a long-term commitment to backing exceptional builders—anchored in the radical idea that founders deserved real support, not just checks. Joining them to guide the conversation is Erik Torenberg—Andreessen Horowitz’s newest General Partner—who makes his Ben & Marc Show moderating debut. Erik is a technology entrepreneur, investor, and founder of the media company Turpentine.Together, they explore: - Why traditional VC needed reinvention - How a16z scaled with a platform model, not a partner model - The "barbell strategy" reshaping venture capital today - Why venture remains a human craft, even in the age of AI Timecodes: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Why Traditional Venture Capital Was Broken 03:05 - Marc on Discovering VC and Its Legends 05:12 - Surviving the Dot-Com Crash and Angel Investing Collapse 07:05 - Helping Founders Raise Venture / Fix VC Relationships 08:47 - The a16z Strategy: Building a Support Platform 12:07 - First Fund Wins: Skype, Instagram, Slack, Okta 12:50 - Building a 'World-Dominating Monster' 15:00 - The Sushi Boat VC Problem 18:07 - Treating LPs Differently 21:40 - Marc and Ben's Working Relationship 23:30 - Updating a16z’s Media Strategy for the Social Era 27:20 - History of the Decentralized Media Environment30:36 - Decline of Corporate Brands and Going Direct 36:06 - Naming the Firm 40:13 - Building the a16z 'Cinematic Universe' of Talent 42:16 - Creating a Federated Model 51:02 - Deciding to Market the Firm 53:26 - Recruiting General Partners 56:33 - Evolution to Full-Stack Companies 01:03:53 - The Barbell Theory: The Death of Mid-Sized VCs01:11:50 - Why Venture Capital Should Stay Overfunded 01:19:50 - When a16z Knew It Could Be Top Tier 01:25:58 - Venture Capital is an Art, Not a ScienceResources:Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz Erik on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg Erik's Substack: https://eriktorenberg.substack.com/

7 Juli 1h 23min

Taken from the AI + a16z podcast, Arcjet CEO David Mytton sits down with a16z partner Joel de la Garza to discuss the increasing complexity of managing who can access websites, and other web apps, and what they can do there. A primary challenge is determining whether automated traffic is coming from bad actors and troublesome bots, or perhaps AI agents trying to buy a product on behalf of a real customer.Joel and David dive into the challenge of analyzing every request without adding latency, and how faster inference at the edge opens up new possibilities for fraud prevention, content filtering, and even ad tech.Topics include:Why traditional threat analysis won’t work for the AI-powered webThe need for full-context security checksHow to perform sub-second, cost-effective inferenceThe wide range of potential actors and actions behind any given visitAs David puts it, lower inference costs are key to letting apps act on the full context window — everything you know about the user, the session, and your application. Follow everyone on social media:David MyttonJoel de la GarzaCheck out everything a16z is doing with artificial intelligence here, including articles, projects, and more podcasts. Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

4 Juli 26min

What if now is the best time in decades to start a company?In this episode, taken from Speedrun, a16z’s accelerator for early-stage founders, Marc Andreessen joins games General Partner Jonathan Lai to make the case that we’re entering a once-in-a-generation window for innovation. From the rise of AI to the cultural and policy shifts reshaping the global economy, Marc explains why the next four years present a rare opportunity for builders to seize the moment.Along the way, they discuss market timing, platform shifts, and what sets successful founders apart - including lessons from Steve Jobs, insights into AI’s impact on storytelling and games, and why being “too early” can feel just like being wrong.Timecodes0:00 Lessons from Steve Jobs on Leadership & Innovation2:27 The AI Boom: How It’s Changing Everything5:52 Market Timing: The #1 Factor in Startup Success8:13 Why the Next 4 Years Are Critical for Tech11:30 AI & The Future of Gaming, Storytelling & Virtual Worlds14:28  Why Some Startups Fail While Others Explode17:11  The Role of Founders in the AI EraResources: Find Marc on X: https://x.com/pmarcaFind Jonathan on X: https://x.com/TocelotStay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

2 Juli 18min

Why does seriousness feel radical today? a16z General Partner Katherine Boyle joins The LaBossiere Podcast to explore what it means to build for the national interest—and why that starts with purpose.Katherine, part of the American Dynamism team at a16z, shares how we got to a place where public service became uncool, how tech can help rebuild trust in government, and why suffering, friction, and responsibility are essential ingredients for growth. From the collapse of civic duty to the rise of meme-driven politics, they dig into the cultural forces shaping America—and the opportunity to reclaim a sense of mission.They also discuss why Silicon Valley is more idea than place, what journalists and investors have in common, and why being laughed at might be the clearest sign you’re on the right path.Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro4:48 The Decline in Public Service7:47 Making Government Cool Again10:07 Silicon Valley’s Aversion to National Security13:15 Positive Sum vs Zero Sum Cultures16:27 China, Authoritarianism, and Doing Hard Things19:27 What Makes America Special?23:03 Silicon Valley and the “Real Economy”26:28 Investing in Mature Markets29:08 Vanna White and The Wheel of Fortune30:27 Journalism and Loneliness32:52 - Time and Suffering38:10 - Seriousness and Purpose41:11 - Is Culture Downstream of Technology?42:48 - Propaganda and Coolness as a Strategic Asset44:40 - Florida, Texas, and Regulatory Arbitrage47:51 - DC, Silicon Valley, and Florida50:20 - What Should More People Be Thinking AboutResources: Find Katherine on X: https://x.com/KTmBoyleFind Alex on X: https://x.com/adlabossiereListen to more from The LaBossiere Podcast:YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3QDLQFt⁠Apple: ⁠https://apple.co/478Be6M⁠Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3sfiFiE⁠Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on X: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

30 Juni 52min

In this episode of ‘This Week in Consumer’, a16z General Partners Anish Acharya and Erik Torenberg are joined by Steven Sinofsky - Board Partner at a16z and former President of Microsoft’s Windows division - for a deep dive on how today’s AI moment mirrors (and diverges from) past computing transitions.They explore whether we’re at the “Windows 3.1” stage of AI or still in the earliest innings, why consumer adoption is outpacing developer readiness, and how frameworks like partial autonomy, jagged intelligence, and “vibe coding” are shaping what gets built next. They also dig into where the real bottlenecks lie, not in the tech, but in how companies, products, and people work. Resources: Find Anish on X: https://x.com/illscienceFind Steven on X: https://x.com/stevesiWatch Andrej Karpathy’s talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCEmiRjPEtQ Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

27 Juni 30min

What if virality wasn’t a tactic — but the entire product?In this episode, a16z General Partners Erik Torenberg and Bryan Kim sit down with Roy Lee, cofounder and CEO of Cluely, one of the most talked-about consumer AI startups of 2025. Cluely didn’t raise a mega round or drop a feature suite to get traction - it broke through by turning distribution into design: launching viral short-form videos, pushing polarizing product drops, and building in public with speed and spectacle.We cover:– Why virality is Cluely’s moat– Building a brand-native AI interface– The Gen Z founder mindset– What most startups get wrong about attention– Why creators are the new product managers– Cluely’s long-term vision for ambient AICluely is a glimpse at the next generation of startups,  where the line between product and performance is disappearing. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Early Success02:02 Roy's Journey: From College Kid to Tech Universe04:37 The Turning Point: Harvard and Beyond06:57 Building Cluey: The Early Days08:27 The Viral Strategy: Mastering Algorithms13:56 The 50 Interns Experiment15:30 The Investment Journey: Roy and Bryan's Partnership19:20 Momentum as a Moat: The Future of AI Companies20:32 The Evolution of Product Strategy in the AI Era21:19 The Importance of Speed and Adaptability22:48 The Role of Distribution in Modern Startups24:26 Roy's Journey and Product Development25:25 The Power of User Data and Feedback26:58 Innovative Marketing and Distribution Tactics28:25 The Future of AI Integration and Translucent Overlays32:15 Controversial Marketing and Authenticity34:01 The Impact of Radical Transparency36:42 The Changing Landscape of Professionalism38:26 Concluding Thoughts and Future VisionResources: Find Roy on X: https://x.com/im_roy_leeFind Bryan on X: https://x.com/kirbyman01Learn more about Cluely: http://cluely.com/ Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

25 Juni 38min