Andreessen Horowitz Lobbying Washington – Investment & Strategy
- Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is dramatically increasing its investment in federal lobbying, reporting $1.49 million spent so far in 2024, according to congressional records.
- The firm's lobbying efforts are accelerating compared to previous years.
- While a16z is spending aggressively, other prominent firms report significantly lower lobbying expenses.
Andreessen Horowitz Significantly Increases Federal Lobbying Spend
What Happened?
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is dramatically increasing its investment in federal lobbying, reporting $1.49 million spent so far in 2024, according to congressional records. This expenditure narrowly surpasses that of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), the industry’s primary trade group.
The firm’s lobbying efforts are accelerating compared to previous years. A16z spent $1.8 million in all of 2023 and $950,000 in 2022. This represents a substantial increase in their attempts to influence policy in Washington D.C.
Comparison to Other Venture Capital Firms
A16z’s lobbying strategy is distinct among major VC firms. While a16z is spending aggressively, other prominent firms report significantly lower lobbying expenses. Here’s a comparison:
| Venture Capital Firm | Year-to-Date (2024) Lobbying Spend | 2023 Lobbying Spend |
|---|---|---|
| Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) | $1.49 million | $1.8 million |
| National Venture capital Association (NVCA) | $1.40 million | N/A |
| Sequoia Capital | $120,000 | N/A |
| General Catalyst | $500,000 | N/A |
A16z’s Stated Policy Positions
When questioned about their lobbying activities, a16z directed TechCrunch to articles penned by its co-founders outlining their policy views and the ”Little Tech” agenda. In a December 2023 article, Ben Horowitz articulated that the firm operates as a single-issue voter: “If a candidate supports an optimistic technology-enabled future, we are for them. If they want to choke off vital technologies, we are against them.”
Areas of lobbying Focus
A16z’s in-house lobbying team is actively engaging with lawmakers on a broad spectrum of issues, including:
- Digital Asset Regulation
- Stablecoins
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- National Defense Authorization Act
- National Security Council related matters
While a16z’s involvement in shaping cryptocurrency laws is well-established, lobbying disclosures reveal an expanding focus on influencing the nation’s defense