Andreessen Horowitz Denies Report Of India Office, Calls It ‘Fake News’
Venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz denies report of India office, calls it ‘fake news’, shutting down widespread speculation about its expansion plans in Asia.
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The rumor started when multiple Indian media outlets claimed that the Silicon Valley firm—often referred to as a16z—was planning to set up an office in Bengaluru. Reports even mentioned that the firm was hiring a local partner to lead operations.
But the story was quickly debunked. Anish Acharya, a general partner at a16z based in the Bay Area, took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify:
“As much as I adore India and the many impressive founders + investors in the region, this is entirely fake news!”
A spokesperson for Andreessen Horowitz later confirmed Acharya’s statement, adding that the firm has no current plans to open an office in India.
A16z Refocuses Its Global Strategy
The timing of the clarification is noteworthy. Earlier this year, Andreessen Horowitz shut down its London office, which had only opened in 2023. The closure followed what insiders described as a “strategic pivot” to focus more on U.S. operations.
According to reports, the U.K. government had spent years trying to attract a16z to London. But just 18 months later, the firm decided to pull back, citing regulatory advantages back home and a more favorable environment for its core investments.
Even without physical offices abroad, a16z maintains an active international presence through remote teams and local scouting networks. Several of its scouts continue to operate across Europe, identifying early-stage opportunities.
India’s Growing VC Appeal—Without A16z
While Andreessen Horowitz denies report of India office, calls it ‘fake news’, the broader Indian startup ecosystem continues to attract global venture capital interest. Firms like Accel, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and General Catalyst have all deepened their footprints in the region.
In contrast, a16z’s exposure to India has been limited. Its most notable investment remains in CoinSwitch, a crypto exchange it backed in 2021 during a $260 million funding round. Since then, the firm has taken a more selective approach to international investments, particularly amid shifting crypto regulations and AI-focused priorities in the U.S.
What’s Next For A16z?
The denial signals that a16z is being strategic about expansion rather than chasing headlines. As the firm leans into AI, gaming, and Web3, it’s focusing on regions that align with its long-term innovation thesis.
Still, with India’s booming startup and fintech ecosystem, industry watchers say it’s only a matter of time before a16z reconsiders its position. For now, though, the firm is clear—there’s no India office, and reports suggesting otherwise are “entirely fake news.”
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