Startup Theatre Podcast The Kiwi Who Cracked Silicon Valley: Now a partner at Andreessen Horowitz a16z
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Oct 23, 2025 David Booth, a community architect and partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shares insights from his journey in connecting founders. He discusses how On Deck evolved into a powerful network that supports over 1,000 startups. David emphasizes the importance of building community for startup success and explains the nuanced shift from operator to investor. He also highlights the value of authenticity in pitching investors and advises Kiwis on balancing local ambitions with global aspirations, all while fostering meaningful relationships in Silicon Valley.
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From Dinner Table To $25M Business
- David Booth describes On Deck's growth from a community to a $25M revenue business and its evolution toward investing in founders.
- He explains his co-founder joining a16z and that a16z's platform felt like unfinished business to continue at scale.
Investors Lend Credibility
- Raising from the right firm draws down credibility and distribution for an early company.
- That borrowed credibility helps a new startup grow into the expectations investors set for it.
Local Maxima Limits Ambition
- Local excellence can create a comfortable local maximum that hides higher global standards.
- Exposure to global best practice expands your ambition beyond that local maxima.