Andreessen Horowitz Reports Over $25 Billion Net Returns to Backers Since 2009 Inception

Menlo Park, CA – Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), the prominent venture capital firm, has reportedly returned at least $25 billion net to its limited partners since its founding in 2009. This significant figure highlights the firm's long-term performance and influence within the technology and venture capital sectors. The data was recently brought to light by Eric Newcomer, a respected industry observer.

The firm, co-founded by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, has become known for its ambitious investment strategy, often referred to as a "capital bazooka." This approach has seen a16z make substantial bets across various high-growth sectors, including defense tech, enterprise software, and, more recently, artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. Their willingness to invest aggressively has positioned them as one of the most powerful venture capital firms globally.

Among a16z's most notable early successes was its investment in Skype, which yielded a significant return when Microsoft acquired the company in 2011. Other key investments that have contributed to these returns include Coinbase, GitHub, Okta, Pinterest, and Slack, many of which have achieved successful IPOs or acquisitions, providing lucrative exits for the firm and its backers. The firm has consistently invested in companies that have grown into industry leaders.

Andreessen Horowitz has also evolved its operational model, notably applying to restructure as a registered investment adviser (RIA) in 2019. This move granted the firm greater flexibility to pursue a wider range of investments, including riskier bets in nascent sectors like cryptocurrency and public market opportunities. This strategic shift has allowed a16z to adapt to changing market dynamics and expand its investment mandates.

The firm continues to raise substantial funds, demonstrating ongoing investor confidence in its strategy. Recent fundraises have allocated significant capital to areas such as American Dynamism, apps, games, infrastructure, and growth, with a particular emphasis on AI foundational models. These continuous capital injections underscore a16z's commitment to backing the next generation of technology giants and maintaining its leading position in the venture capital landscape.