About Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz is a prominent figure in the technology and venture capital industries, widely recognized as the co-founder and general partner of Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). Before co-founding a16z with Marc Andreessen, he held significant leadership roles as a technology executive and entrepreneur, including serving as president and CEO of Opsware, which was acquired by Hewlett-Packard for $1.6 billion.
Horowitz is also a best-selling author, known for his insightful book, 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers.' The book draws from his vast experience in Silicon Valley, offering candid advice on navigating the challenges of building and running a startup. His unique perspective, often described as 'wartime CEO' philosophy, has made him a respected voice among founders and investors alike.
Net Worth
While Ben Horowitz's exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, his wealth is primarily derived from his successful career as an entrepreneur, his stake in Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and successful exits from companies he founded or led.
As a co-founder and general partner of Andreessen Horowitz, one of the most successful venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, Ben Horowitz has accumulated significant wealth through the firm's numerous successful investments. A16z has raised billions across multiple funds and has invested in hundreds of companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status or successful IPOs.
Some notable investments include Facebook, Twitter, Airbnb, Coinbase, Lyft, Pinterest, and Slack.
Prior to co-founding a16z, Ben Horowitz founded and served as CEO of Opsware (formerly Loudcloud), an enterprise software company. Opsware was acquired by Hewlett-Packard in 2007 for approximately $1.6 billion, a transaction that significantly contributed to his personal wealth.
Ben Horowitz's best-selling book, 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things,' has sold hundreds of thousands of copies globally, generating substantial royalties. He also commands significant fees for speaking engagements at industry conferences and corporate events.
Investment Strategy
Ben Horowitz's investment philosophy, deeply influenced by his operational experience as a CEO, is characterized by a strong emphasis on understanding the challenges faced by founders. At Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), he and Marc Andreessen pioneered a unique model for venture capital, providing extensive support to portfolio companies beyond just capital, including operational assistance, talent acquisition, and strategic guidance.
Horowitz is known for his focus on identifying strong leadership teams and backing founders who demonstrate resilience and a deep understanding of their market. He often invests in companies tackling complex technological challenges and disrupting established industries. His approach is less about incremental improvements and more about backing audacious visions that can lead to significant market transformations.
A core tenet of his strategy is the belief that a strong company culture and the ability to navigate difficult periods are crucial for long-term success. He often advises founders to embrace the 'struggle' and lead with conviction, a philosophy he articulates extensively in his writings and public appearances.
Notable Quotes
“The secret to being a successful CEO is to be incredibly honest with yourself about what you don't know and what you're good at.”
— Inc.com
“You can't do a good job if your boss thinks you're stupid.”
— The Hard Thing About Hard Things
“A good product manager is the CEO of the product.”
— Andreessen Horowitz blog
“Every founder has a superpower. The best founders utilize their superpower to build the company. They also identify their greatest weakness and hire someone to compensate for it.”
— Keynote Speech
“The measure of a leader is not the number of people who serve him, but the number of people he serves.”
— What You Do Is Who You Are
Contact Information
For direct inquiries related to Andreessen Horowitz investments or partnerships, please visit the official a16z website and navigate to their contact or pitch submission sections. This is the most effective way to reach the firm.
Ben Horowitz is active on Twitter, where he occasionally engages with the public and shares his insights. While direct personal contact may be limited, following his social media channels can offer valuable perspectives on his current interests and views.
Use Lessie to find verified contact information, mutual connections, and the best outreach strategy for reaching Ben Horowitz and similar investors.
Contact via LessiePublications
'The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers' (2014): A New York Times bestseller offering practical advice on building and running a startup, drawing from Horowitz's personal experiences as an entrepreneur and CEO of Opsware. The book covers topics such as firing people, dealing with competitors, and cultivating a company culture.
'What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Culture' (2019): This book delves into the critical role of culture in an organization's success, examining diverse historical and contemporary examples to illustrate how leaders can intentionally build and maintain strong company cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ben Horowitz?
What is Ben Horowitz known for?
Ben Horowitz is known for his role in co-founding Andreessen Horowitz, his leadership as CEO of Opsware (formerly Loudcloud), and as the author of the best-selling book 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers.'
What companies has Ben Horowitz invested in?
Through Andreessen Horowitz, Ben Horowitz has invested in numerous high-profile technology companies, including Airbnb, Coinbase, Facebook, GitHub, Lyft, Pinterest, Slack, and Twitter.
What is Ben Horowitz's investment philosophy?
Horowitz's investment philosophy emphasizes backing strong, resilient leadership teams and companies that are solving complex problems with innovative technology. He is known for providing significant operational support to portfolio companies, drawing from his experience as a CEO, and valuing founders who can navigate challenging periods.
How can I contact Ben Horowitz?
General inquiries for Ben Horowitz or Andreessen Horowitz can typically be directed through the official Andreessen Horowitz website, which provides contact information and submission forms for entrepreneurs seeking funding. He is also active on Twitter (@bhorowitz).
What is Ben Horowitz's net worth or fund size?
While Ben Horowitz's personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, the venture capital firm he co-founded, Andreessen Horowitz, manages billions of dollars across various funds, investing in a wide range of technology companies.
What are some notable quotes by Ben Horowitz?
One of his most famous quotes is, "Build a company, not a feature." Another well-known quote is, "The only thing that matters is that you close the deal." He is also known for saying, "Life is a struggle. The world is a struggle. Businesses are a struggle."
What are Ben Horowitz's career highlights?
Key career highlights include co-founding and leading Opsware to a $1.6 billion acquisition by Hewlett-Packard, co-founding Andreessen Horowitz, and authoring the best-selling book 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things.' He also held senior product management positions at Netscape.