The a16z Show Ben Horowitz on TBPN: Three Decades with Marc and Building for the Long Game
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Jan 11, 2026 
Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and author of The Hard Thing About Hard Things, shares insights from his decades in tech. He discusses the evolving structure at a16z, emphasizing the need for specialized teams in a dynamic market. Ben reflects on the enduring challenges of entrepreneurship and the unique shift AI represents in technology. He also addresses the implications of California's policies on talent migration, along with advice for founders on navigating modern media landscapes. His rich experiences offer valuable lessons for today’s innovators.
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Mark’s Tough-Time One-Liners
- Ben recalls a quote from Marc that during terrible times they'd "chuckle nervously and change the subject."
- He also said things get darkest before they go completely black, showing tough CEO moments.
Specialized Independent Investment Teams
- Andreessen Horowitz split into independent, specialized teams to cover distinct tech sub-markets while staying nimble.
- Smaller teams avoid large-group decision paralysis and reach truth faster when evaluating deals.
Keep Decision Groups Small
- Avoid large-group deliberations when evaluating deals because they impede truth-finding.
- Ben emphasizes smaller decision-making groups produce clearer conversations than 20-person meetings.
