Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a prominent venture capital firm, has significantly intensified its lobbying activities in Washington, D.C., allocating $1.49 million to federal lobbying efforts in the first half of 2025. This expenditure surpasses that of its industry trade group, the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), which reported $1.40 million in lobbying expenses during the same period.
This marked increase reflects a16z’s strategic commitment to influencing federal policy on a broad spectrum of issues, including digital asset regulation, stablecoins, artificial intelligence (AI), and national defense. The firm’s lobbying expenditures have shown a consistent upward trajectory, with $1.8 million spent in 2024 and $950,000 in 2023.
In contrast, other major venture capital firms have reported comparatively modest lobbying expenditures. Sequoia Capital disclosed $120,000 in lobbying expenses year-to-date, while General Catalyst reported $500,000 for the same period. This positions a16z as a leading advocate within the venture capital sector, actively engaging with policymakers to shape the regulatory landscape.
A16z’s lobbying strategy is multifaceted, encompassing a range of critical issues. The firm has been particularly active in advocating for favorable regulations in the digital asset space, aiming to influence policies that govern cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. Additionally, a16z has focused on AI policy, seeking to shape frameworks that support innovation while addressing ethical considerations.
Notably, the firm’s lobbying efforts have expanded into national defense policy. In the third quarter of 2023, a16z included the National Defense Authorization Act in its lobbying agenda, signaling an interest in aligning technological advancements with national security priorities. This focus continued into 2024, with the National Security Council appearing in lobbying disclosures, indicating a strategic approach to integrating technology policy with defense considerations.
The firm’s co-founders, Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, have articulated a clear stance on their policy engagement. In a December 2023 article, Horowitz emphasized a16z’s non-partisan approach, stating, If a candidate supports an optimistic technology-enabled future, we are for them. If they want to choke off important technologies, we are against them. This philosophy underscores the firm’s commitment to advancing technological innovation through strategic political engagement.
A16z’s proactive lobbying efforts come at a time when the tech industry faces increasing regulatory scrutiny. The firm’s substantial investment in lobbying reflects a strategic initiative to influence policy decisions that impact the venture capital ecosystem and the broader technology sector.
In summary, Andreessen Horowitz’s significant lobbying expenditures and strategic focus on a diverse array of policy issues underscore its commitment to shaping the regulatory environment in favor of technological advancement and innovation.
