Andrew Chen

Andrew Chen is a highly influential General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a leading venture capital firm, where he has been a key figure since joining in 2018. Based in San Francisco, his investment focus is primarily on consumer technology, including social platforms, marketplaces, and the future of work. Chen is particularly renowned for his expertise in "growth" and "network effects," which he applies to identify and scale promising startups. His insights in these areas are widely recognized, notably through his popular blog and his book, "The Cold Start Problem," which delves into the challenges of launching and scaling network-effect businesses.

Prior to his tenure at a16z, Chen honed his growth strategies at Uber, where he led the Rider Growth teams, playing a pivotal role in scaling the company's driver base. This operational background provides him with a deep understanding of the practical challenges and opportunities in rapidly expanding consumer-facing businesses. At a16z, he has been instrumental in investments in several high-profile consumer companies, including Substack, Clubhouse, and Maven, often leading significant funding rounds that underscore his conviction in their potential.

As a General Partner, Andrew Chen operates within a16z's multi-stage investment strategy, which spans from seed to growth-stage companies. While the firm has various funds, including a $7.2 billion fund raised in 2023 that comprises a $2.5 billion venture fund and a $4.75 billion growth fund, Chen typically leads initial investments from the venture fund. His involvement usually targets companies that have achieved some product-market fit and are poised for significant scaling, aligning with his expertise in growth.

For initial investments led by Andrew Chen, reflecting a16z's venture fund strategy, the typical first cheque size ranges from approximately $5 million to $50 million. This range allows him to back promising consumer technology companies at their Series A or Series B stages, providing substantial capital to fuel their expansion and leverage network effects. His strategic guidance and the firm's extensive network further support portfolio companies in achieving rapid growth and market leadership.