a16z calls India office expansion reports “entirely fake news”

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has firmly denied reports claiming the venture capital firm plans to open an office in India, with general partner Anish Acharya calling the claims “entirely fake news” on X. The denial comes as multiple Indian media outlets reported Thursday that a16z was preparing to establish a Bengaluru office and hire local partners, highlighting the firm’s limited presence in one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems.

What you should know: The fake news reports suggested a16z was actively planning a physical expansion into India’s tech hub.

• Several Indian media outlets cited unnamed sources claiming the firm was setting up operations in Bengaluru and recruiting local talent.
• Anish Acharya, a Bay Area-based general partner at a16z, quickly dismissed these reports on social media, stating: “As much as I adore India and the many impressive founders+investors in the region, this is entirely fake news!”

The big picture: This denial reflects a16z’s broader pullback from international expansion efforts after strategic shifts.

• The firm shuttered its London office earlier this year, just one year after opening in 2023, citing regulatory changes and a strategic refocus on the U.S. market.
• Despite closing physical offices, a16z maintains it will continue international investments through remote teams and local networks, with scouts reportedly active across Europe.

Limited India presence: Unlike competitors, a16z has maintained minimal investment activity in India’s booming startup scene.

• The firm’s only significant Indian investment was crypto exchange CoinSwitch, which it backed as part of a $260 million funding round in 2021.
• Reports suggested a16z was seeking to deploy approximately $500 million in Indian startups, but no investments have materialized since the CoinSwitch deal.
• Other major U.S. venture firms like Accel, General Catalyst, and Lightspeed Venture Partners have established stronger presences in India.

What they’re saying: Marc Andreessen, co-founder of a16z, previously explained the firm’s cautious approach to international expansion.

• At a Stanford Graduate School of Business talk, he noted it’s “extremely tempting” to back startups in emerging markets but acknowledged the challenges of expanding to more countries.
• “Venture capital is a very hands-on process of understanding the people you’re working with for both evaluating the company and work[ing] with the company,” Andreessen said.

Current focus: a16z is concentrating resources on AI investments and domestic lobbying efforts.

• The firm sought to raise approximately $20 billion earlier this year for growth-stage AI company investments, targeting global investors interested in American companies.
• Records show a16z spent $1.49 million on federal lobbying this year, outspending industry trade groups and other VC firms.