Andreessen Horowitz ("a16z") co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz explore everything from science to business to culture, all through the lens of technology.
Site
RSS
Spotify
Apple
Data updated on 04/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
a16z, AI and Investing in the new era (ft. Packy McCormick)
Episode 31
Thursday, January 15, 2026 • Duration 56:34
a16z cofounders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz join a16z general partner Erik Torenberg and Not Boring founder Packy McCormick for a conversation on how the media and information ecosystem has changed over the past decade. The discussion breaks down the shift toward a more open and decentralized speech environment, the rise of writer- and creator-led platforms like Substack, and the erosion of centralized media gatekeepers. Marc and Ben also tie these dynamics to their investing worldview, outlining how supply-driven markets, major technological step changes, and reputation-driven venture platforms shape outcomes in the AI era.
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction 00:46 How the media ecosystem is changing 4:20 Why a16z invested in Substack 6:28 Supply-driven markets and new content creation 8:07 Why writers felt trapped by media companies 10:09 Databricks and the 10x cloud multiplier 13:58 Long-form podcasting proves demand 15:40 What the new fund signals about the future 16:24 AI as a universal problem solver 18:49 Why market sizing is broken 20:45 Go-to-market, policy, and platform power 22:37 Turning inventors into confident CEOs 25:58 Borrowing power to scale faster 27:29 Building dreamers, not killing dreams 30:46 Reputation as a core competitive advantage 35:57 Taking arrows in public 38:56 Avoiding big company failure modes 40:39 Autonomous teams inside a16z 41:54 Venture capital as the last job 46:01 Why intangibles matter more than ever 48:17 Original thinkers with charisma 50:06 Why Zoomers are different
Resources:
Follow Marc Andreessen on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca
Follow Ben Horowitz on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz
Follow Erik Torenberg on X: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg
Follow Packy McCormick on X: https://twitter.com/packyM
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Secret Marketing Strategy That Built a16z: From Zero to Legendary VC Firm
Episode 30
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 • Duration 58:30
Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz sit down with Margit Wennmachers—the woman who turned two unknown entrepreneurs with $300 million and zero investing track record into the most talked-about firm in venture capital. She unpacks how they weaponized transparency in an industry built on secrecy, why Fortune's cover story triggered a cartel meltdown, and the exact moment a casual lunch conversation became "Software Is Eating the World." This is the origin story of how A16Z broke every unwritten rule, made enemies of every top-tier firm, and permanently rewired what it means to build companies in public.
Why Silicon Valley Turned Against Defense (And How We’re Fixing It)
Episode 29
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • Duration 01:14:47
Palmer Luckey got fired from Meta for backing the wrong candidate—now he's the hero saving American defense, and that shift tells you everything about how fast the ground moved beneath Silicon Valley's feet. For decades, tech and defense were allies, then came 15 years of hostility so visceral that Google employees revolted over a Pentagon AI contract, and when leadership caved, only three people showed up to hear what border security actually involves. But something broke: COVID exposed our inability to make things, Ukraine revealed wars now iterate in days not decades, and suddenly the Harvard dorm room generation realized the people building satellites and drones weren't just necessary—they were the future, while legacy defense contractors still operate on Soviet-style five-year plans that guarantee cost overruns and obsolescence. Now the question isn't whether Silicon Valley returns to its Cold War roots, but whether America wins by becoming more like China's centralized system or doubles down on the chaotic creativity that built nine of the world's ten most valuable companies in 25 years—and the founders flooding into defense, energy, mining, and manufacturing suggest the second American century is just getting started.
Ben, Marc, and Erik Torenberg are joined by Brian Schimpf, Cofounder & CEO of Anduril, and Chris Power, Founder & CEO of Hadrian. Together, they dig into America’s defense production gap: why the U.S. can out-innovate but not out-produce—and what it will take to turn that around.
They discuss why U.S. war games show we run out of munitions in a week, the myth of “exquisite-only” systems, how to rebuild industrial capacity with software-led automation, financing factories like data centers, and what it takes to create real deterrence in a Taiwan scenario.
New Media: Podcasts, Politics & the Collapse of Trust
Episode 27
Friday, July 25, 2025 • Duration 01:39:19
On this episode of The Ben & Marc Show, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz sit down with Erik Torenberg— General Partner at a16z and founder of the media company Turpentine—to unpack how the internet shattered the old media order and reshaped the way power works in America.
What begins as a look at the evolution of media quickly becomes something bigger: a conversation about truth, trust, and the collapse of institutional authority. They explore how social media became both an x-ray and an engine, why authenticity now beats polish, and how the rules of politics, and journalism, have permanently changed.
Together, they break down:
Why 2017 marked a structural break between tech and the press
The tension between objectivity, activism, and “speaking truth to power”
Why podcasters. not pundits, are setting the agenda
How the barbell strategy is reshaping media: short-form virality meets long-form depth
With stops at Watergate, the rise of Rogan, the fall of legacy gatekeepers, and the media playbooks behind Obama, Trump, and the Kardashians—this episode explores how we got here, what’s next, and what it means for founders, voters, and anyone trying to build (or tell) a story.
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
00:40 The Evolution of Media: From Centralization to Disruption
02:33 The Internet’s Impact on Legacy Media
09:32 Activism in the Modern Tech Press
12:30 The Rise and Fall of Institutional Trust
15:07 Recognizing the Shift in Legacy Media
20:51 Journalism: Objectivity vs. Activism
25:08 Martin Gurri and the Collapse of Authority
28:30 The Trump Era and the Media Paradigm Shift
32:23 Decentralization: From Talk Radio to Social Media
Adam Neumann: This is How You Build Iconic Companies
Episode 26
Thursday, June 12, 2025 • Duration 01:28:52
On this episode of The Ben & Marc Show, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz sit down with Adam Neumann—founder of WeWork and now, Flow—to unpack one of the most unlikely comeback stories in tech.
What began as a personal reckoning after a very public fall has become a bold new vision for how we live and belong. Flow isn’t just a real estate company—it’s an operating system for community, built on first-principles software, design, and soul.
Joined by a16z General Partner Erik Torenberg, the group goes deep on:
- Why Adam’s childhood shaped his obsession with community
- Adam’s fall from WeWork—and how he found a new path to redemption
- How Flow is re-architecting real estate from scratch
- Why loneliness is the greatest design challenge of our time
With reflections on dyslexia, the American dream, and the thin line between failure and greatness, this is a candid and wide-ranging conversation about redemption, vision, and building something that matters in this world. We hope you enjoy this deeply human conversation about the future of living.
Timecodes
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Adam's Early Life and Family Background
07:56 Military Service and Discipline
10:08 Transition to the US and Education
14:43 Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
17:49 The Concept of Flow and Vision
20:28 Meeting and Partnership Formation
25:22 Overcoming Challenges and Resilience
28:30 The Isolation Phenomenon
30:03 Navigating Post-Crisis Relationships
31:50 Real Estate Strategies During COVID
Rick Rubin: Vibe Coding is the Punk Rock of Software
Episode 25
Saturday, May 31, 2025 • Duration 01:15:07
On this episode of "The Ben & Marc Show", a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz sit down with legendary music producer and bestselling author Rick Rubin to explore the origin of his unexpected new creation: "The Way of Code"
Blending ancient philosophy and modern AI, The Way of Code reimagines the 3,000-year-old Tao Te Ching for the age of artificial intelligence, software, and “vibe coding.” What began as a viral tweet quickly evolved into a creative manifesto—part book, part tool, part spiritual operating system for the future.
Joined by a16z General Partners Anjney Midha and Erik Torenberg, the group dives deep into:
- How Rick became a meme for Vibe Coding —and then quickly wrote "The Way of Code"
- Why AI is just another artistic tool - Remix culture, creativity, and collective consciousness
- Why great founders and artists need to stay true to themselves
With shout outs to punk rock, the collective unconscious, and Johnny Cash’s famed acoustic sessions, this conversation is a sprawling, soul-searching journey across music, philosophy, tech, and truth. We hope you enjoy this deeply personal and surprisingly practical conversation on how to live—and create—in the age of AI.
Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz: Rewriting the Rules of Venture — Live From the a16z LP Summit
Episode 24
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 • Duration 32:47
On this special live episode of The Ben & Marc Show, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz take the stage for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on the evolution—and future—of Andreessen Horowitz.
Recorded live at a16z’s LP Summit in Las Vegas, Marc and Ben unpack how the firm grew from a disruptive newcomer into one of the most ambitious and adaptive forces in VC. They share how a16z broke from industry orthodoxy to build a firm designed to scale with innovation itself—powered by structural agility, a platform model, and a long-term commitment to transformational founders.
Moderated by a16z General Partner Erik Torenberg, this live chat dives deep into the firm’s internal culture, its speed of decision-making, and the philosophy that underpins every strategic move—from launching into crypto and AI to reshaping the role of media and memes in tech.
Together, they explore:
- How a16z restructured to lead across multiple emerging markets
- The importance of the firm's cultural enforcement
- What it means to build a generational firm
- Why narrative control is more vital than ever in the age of social media
Enjoy this behind-the-scenes story of how a16z became the leading VC firm -- and what comes next!
Resources:
Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca
Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/
Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz
How Andreessen Horowitz Disrupted VC & What’s Coming Next
Episode 23
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 • Duration 01:25:43
On this episode of 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. You can learn more about Erik via Marc’s announcement [here].
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
We’re thrilled to welcome Erik to the team—and we hope you enjoy this inside look at the structure, philosophy, and future of a16z.
Resources:
Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca
Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/
Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz
Las Vegas is Becoming America's Safest City
Episode 22
Monday, November 18, 2024 • Duration 01:12:42
In this special episode, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz sit down with Chief Mike Gennaro and Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) to discuss how their organization is using advanced technology to become the safest city in America.
In a wide-randing conversation, Chief Gennaro and Sheriff McMahill share how their department is tackling modern policing challenges -- from crime prevention to building trust in the community -- in new ways. They also explain how new technology, such as drones and automatic license plate recognition, has helped their team to reduce crime, improve efficiency, and strengthen relationships with residents.
The discussion also covers efforts to break the cycle of recidivism, address addiction and mental health issues, and the innovative "Hope for Prisoners" program that helps former offenders rebuild their lives in productive ways. This episode offers a unique look at how LVMPD is using data and technology to transform policing and public safety, and fast becoming the blueprint for effective and community focused policing in America. Enjoy!
Sheriff Kevin McMahill: https://www.lvmpd.com/about/office-of-the-sheriff/sheriff-kevin-mcmahill
Chief of Staff Mike Gennaro: https://www.lvmpd.com/about/chief-of-staff-mike-gennaro
Hope for Prisoners program: https://hopeforprisoners.org/
Resources:
Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca
Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/
Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to The Ben & Marc Show, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
37:04 Is Social Media an Engine or a Camera?
43:50 Ben’s Early Perspective on Media and Politics
49:49 Trump as a Bridge Between Legacy and Social Media
55:44 Media Training vs. Unfiltered Authenticity
57:57 Reality TV, Professional Wrestling, and the New Playbook
1:01:04 Drama, Partisanship, and the Age of Personality
1:03:13 How Cable News Became 24/7 Entertainment
1:09:27 The UFC’s Early Struggles for Media Access
1:14:44 The Barbell Effect: Short Clips vs. Long-Form Podcasts
1:29:30 The Tools of Subversion When Out of Power
1:32:00 Media Strategy for Founders
1:37:16 The Power of Going Direct: Founders, Brands, and Audiences
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product. Turpentine is an acquisition of a16z Holdings, L.L.C., and is not a bank, investment adviser, or broker-dealer. Individuals and companies featured during this podcast are not endorsing AH Capital or any of its affiliates (including, but not limited to, a16z Perennial Management L.P.). Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
33:47 The Genesis of a New Venture
36:47 Lessons from WeWork
38:49 Building Flow: The Vision
41:44 The Importance of Alignment
51:23 Technological Innovations in Real Estate
55:44 Revolutionizing Real Estate Software and Flexible Living Solutions
56:28 Challenges and Innovations in Multifamily Housing Rental Markets
58:40 Global Housing Crisis and Solutions
01:06:10 Expanding to Saudi Arabia
01:08:49 Success in Saudi Arabia
01:12:43 Real Estate Funds and Future Plans
01:19:10: Why Is This an Opportunity?
01:20:45 Impact of COVID on Living and Working
01:26:14 Future Potential of Housing and Living
Resources:
Read Marc's blog post about Flow: https://a16z.com/announcement/flow/
Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product. Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Stay Updated:
Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z
Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product. Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product. Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product.Turpentine is an acquisition of a16z Holdings, L.L.C., and is not a bank, investment adviser, or broker-dealer. Individuals and companies featured during this podcast are not endorsing AH Capital or any of its affiliates (including, but not limited to, a16z Perennial Management L.P.). Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Stay Updated:
Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z
Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
