Ben Horowitz on the Next Technology Era

May 9, 2026

1:04

Here's something that might surprise you — Ben Horowitz argues that the next tech revolution isn't just about AI or new gadgets. It’s about America maintaining its global influence through technological leadership. According to Horowitz, as discussed by David Ulevitch in the a16z podcast, the U.S. must work with government and innovate at scale to stay ahead in advanced manufacturing and national security. This isn’t just economic; it’s strategic — who leads in tech, leads the world. Horowitz points out that venture capital is shifting toward bigger, more specialized firms, fueling these ambitions. But despite skepticism, he emphasizes that optimism about tech’s potential to improve lives still matters. The key takeaway? If this pattern holds, the winners will be those who build adaptable, resilient systems — because the future belongs to those who prepare for uncertainty, not certainty. Content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com highlights that staying flexible now is what really counts for global influence.

David Ulevitch speaks with Ben Horowitz about what it means to lead the technology industry at scale, and the responsibilities that come with it. Following the firm’s largest-ever fundraise, they discuss how venture capital, technology, and national strategy are increasingly intertwined.

The conversation covers America’s role in the next technological revolution, from AI to advanced manufacturing, and why maintaining technological leadership is critical not just for economic growth, but for global influence. Horowitz also shares his perspective on working with government, supporting national security innovation, and building systems that give more people the opportunity to contribute.

They also discuss how venture capital is evolving, the shift toward larger firms and specialized strategies, and why optimism about technology, and its potential to improve lives, remains essential even amid growing skepticism.

Resources:

Follow Ben Horowitz on X: https://x.com/bhorowitz

Follow David Ulevitch on X: https://x.com/davidu

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Audio Transcript