Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is sharpening its presence in Washington, reporting $1.49 million in federal lobbying so far in 2025, according to filings with Congress. The move underscores how one of Silicon Valley’s most influential venture capital firms is actively shaping policy conversations at the intersection of technology, finance, and national security.
This year’s spend puts a16z slightly ahead of its own trade group, the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), which reported $1.40 million. It also highlights the widening gap between a16z and its peers: Sequoia Capital has reported just $120,000 in lobbying spend so far this year, while General Catalyst has invested around $500,000.
The pace is accelerating. a16z spent $1.8 million in 2024, up from $950,000 in 2023, reflecting a clear long-term strategy to institutionalize its presence in federal policymaking.
Beyond Crypto: Defense and AI on the Agenda
While a16z is best known for its aggressive push to influence digital asset regulation and stablecoin policy, disclosures show a broader expansion into defense, AI, and industrial policy. In fact, defense made its first explicit appearance on a16z’s lobbying agenda in 2023 with the National Defense Authorization Act, and the firm has consistently engaged on that bill since. By 2024, the National Security Council began showing up in lobbying disclosures — signaling how a16z is positioning technology investment as a matter of national security.
This effort ties closely to the firm’s American Dynamism practice, which invests in companies across defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. The strategy reflects the firm’s bet that regulated industries and national security priorities will define the next wave of U.S. technology leadership.
Leadership, Talent, and Bipartisanship
Co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz have long been vocal on policy, with Horowitz describing the firm as “non-partisan and one-issue voters” — supporting leaders who back a technology-driven future regardless of party. Although they previously endorsed Donald Trump, a16z’s government affairs team draws talent from both sides of the aisle, signaling a bipartisan approach.
The policy team was further strengthened this year with the appointment of Anne Neuberger, former Deputy National Security Advisor, who joined as a senior advisor focused on AI, cyber, and American Dynamism. Her addition signals the firm’s seriousness about bridging Silicon Valley innovation with U.S. defense and cybersecurity priorities.
Influence Beyond Lobbying
Lobbying dollars don’t always equal influence. Rivals like Founders Fund report minimal lobbying spend yet maintain deep ties to the Pentagon and White House. Partner Trae Stephens, for example, played a leading role in the 2016 DoD transition, while Michael Kratsios, a longtime Thiel associate, previously served as Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and is now a science advisor to the President.
a16z, meanwhile, pairs its lobbying with political action committee (PAC) activity. According to The Wall Street Journal, the firm is backing a pro-AI network of PACs called Leading the Future, further amplifying its influence in Washington’s policy corridors.
The firm’s growing footprint suggests that venture capital — once an industry content to stay behind the scenes — is now stepping directly into the political arena. And with a16z leading the charge, lobbying could become a defining feature of how Silicon Valley interacts with government in the era of AI, defense, and digital assets.