Founders, Media, & Memes: a16z’s Strategy for the Future | a16z LP Summit 2025

Recorded live at the 2025 a16z LP Summit, this episode is a candid conversation between a16z cofounders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz—hosted by general partner Erik Torenberg. They cover the evolution of a16z from startup firm to multi-practice platform, how the media landscape is shaped by meme-speed narratives, why reorgs—not just returns—determine who wins, and what it takes to build an enduring venture franchise. They also share thoughts on the changing policy landscape for AI and crypto, the firm’s bipartisan approach to Washington—and why Marc personally screens social media profiles before anyone joins the team. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction 00:43 The Evolution of Andreessen Horowitz 01:19 Breaking into the Top Tier 04:20 Scaling with Software 08:42 The Impact of Social Media on Traditional Media 16:11 The Need for Continuous Evolution in Venture Capital 19:34 The Scale Effect in Early Stage Investments 20:30 Mission-Oriented Venture Capital 22:23 Experimental Culture and Innovation 24:33 Founder Mindset vs. Professional CEOs 26:35 Cementing Company Culture 29:10 Succession Planning and Longevity 31:22 AI and Crypto: The Intersection 37:29 Innovator's Dilemma and Future Outlook Resources: Find Marc on X: https://x.com/pmarca Find Ben on X: https://x.com/bhorowitz Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16z Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/ Follow our host: Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenberg Please 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.