a16z Podcast The Little Tech Agenda for AI
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Sep 8, 2025 Collin McCune and Matt Perault discuss the 'Little Tech Agenda' for AI, emphasizing the importance of tailored regulations for startups. They explore how to regulate harmful AI use while fostering open source innovation and competition. The duo highlights the challenges smaller companies face compared to big tech and the role of both federal and state governments in shaping effective AI policy. They also delve into navigating national security concerns and the necessity for bipartisan support to maintain the U.S.'s competitive edge in the global AI landscape.
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Startups Had No D.C. Advocate
- a16z created the Little Tech Agenda because startups lacked representation in D.C. policy debates.
- Colin McCune says big institutional players dominated and small founders had no advocate.
Scale Regulations To Company Size
- A five-person startup cannot absorb compliance rules built for thousand-person firms.
- Policy should be tailored so small teams aren't forced out by disproportionate regulatory costs.
Target Harmful Use, Not Development
- Regulate harmful uses of AI rather than development of models.
- Focus enforcement on violations of consumer, civil-rights, and criminal laws involving AI.