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:
Introduction
How the media ecosystem is changing
Why a16z invested in Substack
Supply-driven markets and new content creation
Why writers felt trapped by media companies
Databricks and the 10x cloud multiplier
Long-form podcasting proves demand
What the new fund signals about the future
AI as a universal problem solver
Why market sizing is broken
Go-to-market, policy, and platform power
Turning inventors into confident CEOs
Borrowing power to scale faster
Building dreamers, not killing dreams
Reputation as a core competitive advantage
Taking arrows in public
Avoiding big company failure modes
Autonomous teams inside a16z
Venture capital as the last job
Why intangibles matter more than ever
Original thinkers with charisma
Why Zoomers are different
Resources:
https://www.notboring.co/p/a16z-the-power-brokers
https://www.a16z.news/p/firm-fund
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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.
Stay Updated:
Find a16z on X
Find a16z on LinkedIn
Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify
Listen to the a16z Show on Apple Podcasts
Follow our host: https://twitter.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.
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