Ben Horowitz, co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), has shifted his personal political support for the presidential election, now pledging donations to Kamala Harris’ campaign after previously backing Donald Trump.
In an email update to a16z supporters about “political activity,” Horowitz said Harris has been a “great friend” to him and his wife, Felicia — who is Black — in the 10 years they’ve known her. He noted the vice president’s support for their firm in its early days, mentioning her involvement in events that helped establish the Cultural Leadership Fund network, which supports Black cultural leaders and organizations.
“As a result of our friendship, Felicia and I will be making a significant donation to entities who support the Harris Walz campaign,” Horowitz wrote, per Business Insider. However, he added that a16z remains committed to positions aligned with its “Little Tech Agenda,” focusing on candidates who advocate for a strong startup technology industry, and Vice President Harris has not revealed her tech plans.
Horowitz acknowledged having conversations with Harris and her team and expressed cautious optimism about potential tech policies but pointed out that “they have not yet stated what their tech policy will be, so the firm will not be updating its position in that regard.”
He added, “As we stated earlier, the Biden administration has been exceptionally destructive on tech policy across the industry, but especially as it relates to Crypto/Blockchain and AI.”
The venture capitalist would also not go far enough to endorse or commit to voting for the Democratic presidential nominee. As the election approaches, he and his wife plan to establish working relationships with both candidates, according to Business Insider.
Horowitz’s political shift comes after he and a16z Co-Founder Marc Andreessen announced plans in July to make “large donations” to Trump’s political action committees. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the duo hadn’t publicly supported the former president before the announcement.
Andreessen, a former Democrat, has cited Trump’s tech policies as a reason for his support, a sentiment echoed by Horowitz on their podcast, “The Ben & Marc Show.”
“I wish we didn’t have to pick a side,” Horowitz said at the time. “We literally [believe] the future of our business, the future of technology, and the future of America is at stake.”
As a firm, a16z has a history of initiatives aimed at advancing Black representation in tech, including launching the Cultural Leadership Fund, which aims to pave the way for greater generational wealth within the Black community. The company has invested in several Black-owned startups, including Incredible Health, Wonderschool and Mayvenn.
Still, after Horowitz’s previous backing of Trump, there were concerns raised, specifically by Blue Mahoe Holdings Founder David Mullings and other Black founders in the tech industry.
Commenting on Horowitz’s decision to support the former president, Mullings said at the time, per AFROTECH™, “His reputation will definitely take a hit among well-thinking Black people because it shows that he doesn’t actually understand our lived experiences.”
