Marc Andreessen, co-founder and general partner of Andreessen Horowitz. David Paul Morris/Bloomberg—Getty Images
If I had to name the most influential person in the crypto industry right now, I'd say an inspiration like Vitalik Buterin or a big bad like SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. You could do that.But for pure influence at this momentThere is no serious discussion. That would be Marc Andreessen, a prominent venture capitalist and cryptocurrency advocate. He has reportedly completed a self-proclaimed “spirit walk” outside of the realms of politics and media and decided to throw his weight behind Washington, D.C.
According to the detailed profile, packTeddy Schleifer is deeply involved in the world of money and power and writes about it like no other. If you are wondering who is the driving force between the crypto industry's huge new role in politics, this should answer your question.
Andreessen has recently returned with ideological fervor, making him the most politically active he has been in decades, according to about two dozen friends, politicians and influencers who have known him over the years. It is said that His company has secretly hired powerful Republican and Democratic consulting firms to help steer it in Washington, while hosting one fundraiser after another in its Sand Hill offices for crypto-friendly candidates. , is preparing to establish a new political action committee and invest its founder's fortune into it. To strengthen our portfolio companies.
This is a notable development, since Andreessen is not only richer than Midas (he has a lot of “you money” in Valley parlance), but he and his company are masters of the media game. It is.former luck A colleague once jokingly told me that Andreessen Horowitz was a public relations agency masquerading as a venture capital firm. She's not wrong.
Andreessen himself has a friendly charm. I found that out a few years ago when he sat down with me and some of his colleagues in his office. But he's also capable of media-bending tricks, like when he invented the tweet storm and nearly quit Twitter a few years later. Then he re-emerged wearing new political skin and hurled thunderbolts at Google and other bastions of left-wing orthodoxy. I'm not entirely sure what he's saying, but Andreessen's obvious genius and unpredictability inevitably attract attention. It also doesn't hurt that this man knows everyone, including people in the same political arena that he has long professed to despise. He's Schleifer again.
Andreessen, Horowitz and their other top partner, chris dixon, training infantry. They cut maximum personal checks for many pro-crypto Democrats, including members of Congress, in the second half of 2023, according to recent filings. Richie TorresCongressman. jake auchincloss (Former cryptocurrency investor), Senator Kirsten GillibrandThe company considers everyone to be an important ally. Last month, I heard that a16z quietly held a fundraiser at their Menlo Park office. Tom Emmera powerful House Republican… Andreessen enjoys a particularly warm texting relationship kevin mccarthy. [His firm] McCarthy's son was employed for a short period.
Puck's article is also full of insider D.C. gossip, with a former Republican aide now employed by A16Z saying, “He's not a political fixer, he's a hill rat — no, I've heard the term Lehane several times before.'' –but his work.'' It's about understanding that. ” In other words, while it's annoying to most people (including crypto people), it's downright crazy to Washington types.
No one knows why Andreessen returned to politics with two legs. In the context of cryptocurrencies, it could be because he wants to convert the country's legislators to his cause, or perhaps it's just to ensure his company gets the regulation it needs to cash out its many investments in cryptocurrencies. This may be because you want to be able to retrieve it. Whatever the reason, it's good news for the cryptocurrency industry that Marc Andreessen, famous for his “Software Erosion of the World Essay,” has chosen to erode Washington, in Schiffler's words. ”
jeff john roberts
jeff.roberts@fortune.com
@jeffjohnroberts
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