a16z Spends $1.49M in Washington Lobbying, While Rivals Mostly Sit Out
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is making big moves in Washington. According to newly filed lobbying records, a16z spends $1.49M in Washington lobbying, while rivals mostly sit out, setting itself apart as one of the few venture capital firms aggressively pushing a tech-first agenda in U.S. policy circles.
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Lobbying Momentum Grows Year After Year
The firm’s lobbying spend is accelerating. a16z spent $950,000 in 2023, followed by $1.8 million in 2024. With $1.49 million already poured into 2025, the firm is on track to surpass last year’s total. That puts it ahead of its own industry trade group, the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), which reported $1.40 million so far this year.
Rivals Largely Absent from Policy Push
What makes this move striking is how few of a16z’s peers are spending on lobbying at the same scale. Sequoia Capital has only reported $120,000 this year, while General Catalyst disclosed $500,000. Compared to those figures, a16z’s $1.49M Washington lobbying spend underscores a deliberate strategy to influence tech regulation while competitors stay largely silent.
The “Little Tech” Policy Agenda
a16z isn’t shy about its motivation. In public articles, co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz have stressed their support for policies that encourage technological innovation. Horowitz described the firm’s approach as “non-partisan and one-issue,” supporting any candidate who champions a future enabled by technology and rejecting those who attempt to restrict it. This philosophy aligns with the firm’s “Little Tech” agenda, which emphasizes innovation-friendly policies over partisan divides.
Why a16z’s Lobbying Matters
Federal regulation increasingly shapes the future of artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech, and biotech. By spending millions on lobbying, a16z is betting that early influence in Washington could help shape the rules of the game for decades. While most VC rivals hesitate, a16z is planting its flag and signaling that shaping policy is as critical as funding startups.
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