Andreessen Horowitz, often called a16z, is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz in Menlo Park, California. The firm has expanded its assets under management to around $45 billion, backing innovative companies from initial funding rounds through later-stage growth. A16z is widely known for the phrase “Software is eating the world,” reflecting its belief in the power of technology to reshape industries. The firm combines financial resources with advisory support to help founders navigate complex challenges as they build and scale their businesses.
A16z invests across a range of technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, biotech and health care, consumer applications, blockchain and cryptocurrency, enterprise software, financial services technology, gaming, and infrastructure. It offers funding programs at various stages, from seed and early-stage accelerators to growth-stage capital. The firm also runs specialized funds and initiatives focused on talent development, cultural leadership, and long-term partnerships to foster entrepreneurial success and drive continuous innovation in emerging fields.
While the firm’s portfolio spans many fields, a16z has shown a targeted interest in sustainable energy and battery technology through key cleantech investments. In April 2024 it co-invested $20 million in Exowatt alongside Sam Altman, supporting a system that uses solar lenses in shipping-container modules to convert sunlight into heat, store energy, and generate power for data centers. In January 2024, a16z led an $18.2 million Series A for Crux, a platform that facilitates clean energy tax credit transactions, and later participated in a $50 million Series B round in April 2025. These moves illustrate a16z’s support for technologies that advance energy transition and storage solutions.
