Horowitz highlighted blockchain and AI as technologies that can create a fairer, more inclusive economy and uplift humanity. He is not against regulation, but believes that politicized regulation can kill industries. He also criticized big tech firms for being more concerned with preserving their monopolies than advocating for fair regulation. The firm has previously faced criticism for its techno-optimist manifesto, which argued that any slowdown of AI through regulation will cost lives.
Key takeaways:
- Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is planning to support politicians who help advance crypto and AI technology. The firm's co-founder, Ben Horowitz, has pledged to back any politician that supports a technology-enabled future.
- Horowitz highlighted blockchain and artificial intelligence as two technologies that can create a better world, stating that decentralized technologies could lead to a more inclusive economy and AI could uplift humanity to a new standard of living.
- Despite this, Horowitz is not against regulation, stating that high-quality regulation can enable an industry to thrive while protecting consumers. However, he criticized "big tech" firms for being more concerned with preserving their monopolies than advocating for fair regulation.
- The firm has faced criticism for its "techno-optimist manifesto", with more than 2,600 tech leaders and researchers signing a petition to "pause" AI developments due to concerns about potential risks to society and humanity.