WSJ x a16z: The Next 25 Years of Defense Innovation

February 18, 2026
A16z
WSJ x a16z: The Next 25 Years of Defense Innovation

Here's something that caught my attention — talking about America’s future in defense innovation and how it shapes our world. Katherine Boyle from a16z explains that when Silicon Valley started openly saying “America” in 2022, it stunned many. Why? Because it signaled a shift — investors are now more focused on supporting national interests, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine changed everything. According to Katherine, this isn’t just about defense tech; it's about rethinking what it means to be innovative in service of the country’s security and resilience. Content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com highlights that this new approach could redefine how startups and investors contribute to national strength, blending technology and geopolitics more tightly than ever before. And get this — Andy Serwer and Katherine Boyle point out that the next 25 years might see a fundamental shift in how we think about innovation, security, and America’s global role. It’s a story worth watching, because it’s shaping the future in real time.

In this episode from WSJ Invest Live, Andy Serwer speaks with Katherine Boyle, general partner at a16z, about the American Dynamism practice she helped launch four years ago. They discuss why saying "America" out loud stunned Silicon Valley in 2022, how Russia's invasion of Ukraine changed everything, and what it means to invest in companies that support the national interest.

 

 

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Find a16z on YouTube: YouTube

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Find a16z on LinkedIn

Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify

Listen to the a16z Show on Apple Podcasts

Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg

 

Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Audio Transcript

In this episode from WSJ Invest Live, Andy Serwer speaks with Katherine Boyle, general partner at a16z, about the American Dynamism practice she helped launch four years ago. They discuss why saying "America" out loud stunned Silicon Valley in 2022, how Russia's invasion of Ukraine changed everything, and what it means to invest in companies that support the national interest.

 

 

Stay Updated:

Find a16z on YouTube: YouTube

Find a16z on X

Find a16z on LinkedIn

Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify

Listen to the a16z Show on Apple Podcasts

Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg

 

Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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