Andreessen Horowitz Launches Publishing Arm: Future

Andreessen Horowitz Launches New Media Venture: Future

Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has officially unveiled its media platform, named Future. This launch represents a significant step for the firm into the realm of content creation and thought leadership.

Initially, the publication will concentrate on subjects pertinent to a16z’s investment areas. However, it is designed to broaden its scope over time, utilizing a combination of dedicated staff, compensated contributors, and prominent figures from the industry, including founders, academics, and entrepreneurs. Notably, the domain Future.com was secured for this initiative.

An MVP Approach to Publication

According to Margit Wennmachers, Operating Partner, Marketing and Future at Andreessen Horowitz, the currently launching Future.com is an MVP – a minimum viable product – representing the initial phase of the publication’s long-term vision.

The content creation process will involve both in-house staff and external contributors, encompassing established names alongside emerging talents. The publication’s overarching theme will be “rational optimism,” a perspective the firm believes is currently underrepresented in technology coverage.

Focus on Future-Oriented Content

Wennmachers emphasizes that Future is not intended as a traditional news organization. Instead, it will prioritize forward-looking informational and editorial content, rather than daily tech updates. However, topical coverage will occur when news intersects with areas where the firm possesses expertise, through its contributors, staff, or partners.

The initial leadership team comprises Wennmachers, editor-in-chief Sonal Chokshi, executive editor Maggie Leung, and managing editor Amelia Salyers.

Initial Contributors and Scope

The initial contributors and planned topics provide insight into Future’s intended breadth. Some key contributors include:

• Betül Kaçar, a University of Arizona professor and director of a NASA research consortium, will contribute on paleobiology and its relevance to future innovation.
• Marvin Ammori, chief legal officer of Uniswap Labs and advisor to the Harvard Law School Blockchain & Fintech Initiative, is developing a comprehensive explainer on DeFi (Decentralized Finance).
• Jade Raymond, a renowned video game creator known for franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs, will share insights on intellectual property, gaming, and the role of creators.

The initial content strategy centers on producing explainers, how-to guides, and facilitating cohort learning among experienced founders, both within and outside the a16z portfolio.

Leveraging Existing Expertise

“We aim to write about areas where we have knowledge and actively invest,” explains Wennmachers. This includes sectors like crypto, biotech, fintech, and real estate, all of which have dedicated partners within the firm.

The publication also intends to incorporate expertise from highly specialized fields, such as nuclear energy, contextualizing these complex areas for a target audience of “tech enthusiasts,” founders, and entrepreneurs.

Building on a Strong Content Foundation

A16z already has a proven track record of content creation through its popular podcast and blog posts, which delve into the intricacies of emerging technologies, particularly in deep tech and research-driven areas.

The firm is committed to a long-term investment in Future, prioritizing the establishment of clear success metrics. These metrics will encompass both quantitative data, such as website traffic, and qualitative indicators, like audience engagement and discussion around the published content.

Metrics Beyond Traffic

Metrics like time spent on page and article completion rates will be prioritized. A significant advantage for Future, Wennmachers notes, is its financial independence, as a16z will cover the costs of development and talent acquisition. This allows for greater flexibility in defining success beyond traditional monetization goals.

While video content is not an immediate priority, platforms like YouTube may be considered in the future.

Actionable and Usable Information

The overall goal is to provide content that is action-oriented and useful for tasks such as informing legislation, guiding company strategy, or contributing to productive discussions. The usability of the information is a key focus.

Future will cater to both “tech people” and those “tech curious,” and ideally, it will also help a16z secure deals by demonstrating its expertise and understanding in relevant spaces. The firm often succeeds at the intersection of two areas where it has deep knowledge, such as biotech and consumer technology.

Boosting Emerging Tech Communities

Another objective is to support nascent tech communities, particularly those surrounding crypto and other cutting-edge technologies.

Future aims to offer content that is currently unavailable, leveraging the firm’s “unique and interesting perch.” The target audience includes individuals who are curious, open-minded, and seeking to understand complex tech topics from the perspective of industry operators, including those looking to bridge the gap between consumer tech and deep tech.

A Collaborative Editorial Approach

The combination of full-time writers, paid contributors, and external experts presents a challenge for the editorial team, requiring the development of a cohesive voice and a reputation for insightful, domain-specific expertise.

However, backing by a16z does not guarantee success. “We have to win in the market,” Wennmachers acknowledges, recognizing the competitive landscape for audience attention.

A Traditional Publication for Now

Despite exploring alternative structures like co-ops, DAOs, or distributed contribution systems, Future will initially operate as a “traditional” publication to establish its identity and ensure a clear voice.

The MVP is launching today, and the team intends to “build in public,” attracting both its target audience and potential critics.

Navigating a Shifting Media Landscape

Future enters the media landscape at a pivotal moment, with evolving relationships between individuals, organizations, and audiences. Simultaneously, there’s a growing desire within the tech industry to control the narrative surrounding emerging technologies, often independently of traditional journalism.

Furthermore, a trend towards “collective cynicism” is prevalent in mainstream media, contrasting with Future’s “rational optimism.” Many entities in tech have been associated with harm, leading to increased scrutiny of new technologies and companies.

A Test of Narrative and Rigor

The reception of Future by the media will likely reveal the current balance between narrative control and intellectual rigor. For journalists focused on in-depth research, it could become a valuable source of information. However, access to a16z’s portfolio companies may be channeled through Future.

The backing is substantial, and the initial editorial hires suggest a serious commitment to the venture. While potential conflicts of interest are acknowledged, transparency about a16z’s perspective is seen as a defining characteristic of the publication.

A Potential Catalyst for Change

Other firms may follow suit, creating their own media platforms. Whether Future is viewed as a marketing exercise, a necessary evolution, or a reaction within the tech ecosystem, it is unlikely to be uneventful.

I anticipate engaging discussions and critical analysis as Future unfolds.

Editor’s Note: Updated list of initial contributors to reflect launch slate.