Replay 2025: David Sacks on AI, Crypto, and America's Technology Future

July 17, 2026

1:13

Replay 2025: David Sacks on AI, Crypto, and America's Technology Future

What if America's biggest advantage in tech isn’t just innovation but its ability to empower builders? That's exactly what David Sacks argues in a16z’s replay, where he joins Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and Erik Torenberg. They discuss how regulation — if done right — can actually fuel America’s lead in AI and crypto. According to Sacks, open source AI and permissionless innovation are crucial, but current policies risk slowing progress. He points out that heavy-handed regulation, especially at the federal level, could stifle the very creativity that keeps America ahead. Instead, Sacks emphasizes the need to create a regulatory environment that enables entrepreneurs to experiment freely — something he says China’s already working hard to replicate with state-backed programs. As content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com highlights, America’s long-term edge depends on a smart balance: regulation that protects but doesn’t choke. So, the real question isn’t whether regulation will change — it's who adapts fast enough to turn policy into a launchpad, not a roadblock.

As part of our summer replay series, we're revisiting one of our most-discussed conversations from the past year.

David Sacks joins Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and Erik Torenberg to discuss the intersection of AI, crypto, regulation, and American competitiveness.

The conversation explores the Trump administration's approach to AI and crypto policy, open source AI, export controls, energy and infrastructure, the global race with China, and the role regulation plays in shaping innovation. They also discuss stablecoins, the future of AI development, permissionless innovation, and why they believe America's long-term advantage depends on enabling builders rather than slowing them down.

Along the way, Sacks shares his perspective on AI safety, decentralized technology, federal versus state regulation, and what it will take for the U.S. to remain the global leader in emerging technologies.

Resources:

Follow David Sacks on X: https://x.com/DavidSacks

Follow Marc Andreessen on X: https://x.com/pmarca

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

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Audio Transcript