Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is a leading Silicon Valley venture capital firm founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. With a mission to back bold entrepreneurs shaping the future, a16z operates across multiple sector-specific funds with a broad multi-stage strategy. Known for its influential role in shaping markets like crypto, AI, bio, and consumer tech, the firm combines deep capital reserves with policy engagement, media, and founder services to build enduring companies.
a16z invests across a wide spectrum of frontier technologies including AI, crypto, biotech, enterprise software, consumer tech, defense, fintech, and infrastructure. The firm runs multiple vertical-focused funds with dedicated teams in each domain.
In January 2026, a16z announced the raise of over $15 billion across six funds, marking one of the largest capital raises in venture history. The new fund lineup includes:
Together, these funds represent 18% of all venture dollars raised in the US in 2025. a16z aims to deploy this capital into breakthrough startups shaping the next 100 years of American technology leadership.
The firm plans to back founders from first check through late-stage rounds, focusing on the key technological architectures of the future: AI, crypto, and bio. The strategy also includes engaging with US policy and government adoption to ensure technology supports national interests.
Leadership
a16z is led by its co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, alongside a large bench of general partners across sectors including Chris Dixon (crypto), Vijay Pande (bio + health), David George (growth), and Katherine Boyle (American Dynamism).
The firm operates with deep domain verticals and has expanded to Washington, D.C. and other regions to support policy influence.
Investment Strategy
a16z runs a full-stack VC model, investing from seed to growth, with specialist teams for each fund vertical. It provides not only capital but also dedicated help in areas like talent, marketing, policy, media, and go-to-market.
The firm is especially known for leading early rounds in transformational companies and supporting them through later stages. a16z is aggressive in both check size and vision, often making multi-million dollar initial investments with the capacity to deploy hundreds of millions in follow-on capital.
Notable Investments
a16z has invested in Facebook, Airbnb, Coinbase, Slack, Stripe, OpenAI, Instacart, and numerous AI and crypto startups.
More recent bets include companies in defense tech (Anduril), synthetic biology (Ginkgo Bioworks), and AI infrastructure.
It has also backed breakout firms in consumer social, gaming, and creator economy platforms.
Notable Exits
a16z has seen numerous high-profile exits including:
The firm has a long track record of identifying category-defining startups early and supporting them to scale and exit.
Other
a16z is not just a capital allocator—it’s a full-blown media, policy, and platform powerhouse. Founders working with the firm gain access to deep networks, high-level government connections, and best-in-class support across hiring, policy, and communications.
The firm has also made a deliberate push into Washington, D.C. to influence policy around emerging tech, especially in AI and crypto.
United States
