Andreessen Horowitz Re-Emphasizes Marc Andreessen's 2007 Essay on 'Drive' as Core Entrepreneurial Trait

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a leading venture capital firm, recently drew attention to a foundational essay by co-founder Marc Andreessen, titled "How to hire the best people you’ve ever worked with," originally published in 2007. The firm's social media post, featuring a direct link to the article, signals the enduring relevance of Andreessen's philosophy on "drive" as a critical attribute for success in the technology and startup ecosystem.

The essay posits "drive" as the foremost quality to seek in individuals, defining it as "self-motivation—people who will walk right through brick walls, on their own power, without having to be asked, to achieve whatever goal is in front of them." Andreessen argues that this inherent push to succeed is often more crucial than traditional measures like intelligence or educational achievement, which he describes as "highly overrated" in isolation. He emphasizes looking for tangible actions and initiatives undertaken by candidates, rather than just credentials.

This re-emphasis by a16z aligns with the firm's investment strategy, which often backs founders demonstrating exceptional resilience and vision. Andreessen's broader philosophical stance, as seen in his 2023 "Techno-Optimist Manifesto" and 2020 "Build" essay, consistently champions the power of human agency and technological innovation to overcome challenges and drive progress. These later works reinforce the idea that a relentless, self-motivated approach is essential for significant advancements.

The firm's decision to highlight this nearly two-decade-old piece underscores a belief that certain fundamental human qualities remain paramount, regardless of rapid technological shifts. For entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders in the competitive tech landscape, the message is clear: an unwavering internal drive to build and succeed is a timeless asset, deeply embedded in the ethos of a16z and its influential co-founder.