Table of Contents
The a16z Playbook: Navigating Andreessen Horowitz's Platform Model in 2025
The a16z Playbook: Andreessen Horowitz in 2025
When Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz founded a16z, they did so with the conviction that "software is eating the world." In 2025, that thesis has evolved: "AI is rewriting the world." To get a16z to say yes today, you need to be building at the frontier of technology and society.
The Platform Advantage: Why a16z?
a16z is famous for its massive "platform" team—dedicated experts in HR, PR, Marketing, and Sales who support their portfolio companies.
American Dynamism
If you are building in defense, aerospace, manufacturing, or government tech, you are in the "American Dynamism" sweet spot. a16z is looking for companies that solve critical national problems using modern technology.
AI Infrastructure and Applications
They are active across the entire AI stack—from the infra layers (LLMs, Chips) to the application layers. In 2025, they are particularly interested in "Agentic AI"—systems that don't just Chat but Do.
The "Story" Matters: How to Pitch a16z
Ben Horowitz is a master of the "Hard Thing about Hard Things." They value founders who have a unique "earned secret"—an insight that no one else has.
What is your Earned Secret?
Why do you know something that the rest of the market doesn't? a16z invests in people who have spent years obsessing over a problem and have come out with a non-obvious solution.
Go-To-Market (GTM) Excellence
Unlike many other VCs, a16z is extremely focused on GTM. You need to show that you don't just have a product, but a repeatable, scalable way to get that product into the hands of millions.
The 2025 Investment Process
The a16z process is fast but data-heavy. They leverage their internal experts to vet every aspect of your business.
- Expect a "Domain Expertise" deep dive. You'll likely meet with an operating partner who knows your space better than you do.
- Focus on the "Big" Exit. a16z isn't interested in $100M exits. They are looking for the next trillion-dollar company.
- Ambition is a Requirement. Don't hold back on the scale of your vision.
Conclusion
Securing an investment from a16z in 2025 means more than just money; it's an entry into one of the most powerful networks in tech history. It requires a blend of technical brilliance and operational grit. At Orkust Capital, we believe in the "Platform" model too, which is why we've modeled our co-founder approach after the best.
Building something that could change the world? Let's talk about it at Orkust.
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