120 - Marc Andreessen & Chris Dixon of a16z | Reinventing the Internet

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May 30, 2022

Guest

Chris Dixon

Guest

Marc Andreessen

Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Netscape and a16z, and Chris Dixon, a16z's general partner, delve into the transformational journey of the internet. They discuss the 'original sin' of the internet and how Web3 aims to rectify it. The duo draws fascinating parallels between the early days of the web and today’s decentralized landscape. Topics include encryption, net neutrality, and the evolution of internet governance. They also unveil a16z's ambitious $4.5 billion fund aimed at investing in the future of Web3.

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ANECDOTE

Original Sin of the Internet

It was illegal to have money on the internet before 1993 due to the Acceptable Use Policy.
This policy restricted commercial use as the internet was government-funded.

ANECDOTE

Netscape's Feature Race

Netscape raced to add features like Javascript and SSL to compete with centralized internet visions.
This rapid development came at the expense of addressing issues like advertising models and internet money.

ANECDOTE

Encryption and Regulation

Netscape Navigator, the first consumer product with encryption, faced regulatory hurdles due to its classification as a munition.
This was similar to modern crypto regulations, with concerns about criminal use overriding potential benefits.

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