Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) views Donald Trump‘s reelection as a significant catalyst for the US crypto industry.
In a Nov. 11 post, firm leaders Miles Jennings, Brian Quintenz, and Michele Korver shared their optimism that this political shift could bolster bipartisan efforts and open doors for US-led crypto innovation on a global scale.
The executives acknowledged past obstacles under enforcement-heavy regulation, often stifling legitimate ventures while giving bad actors a free pass. This approach, they argued, did more harm than good, damaging consumer trust and blocking good-faith projects.
However, they see an opportunity for productive engagement with lawmakers, paving the way for policies that can identify fraudulent players and allow ethical projects to grow. They believe this will protect consumers and rebuild trust across the crypto landscape.
The a16z team encouraged crypto founders to embrace this shift by exploring blockchain’s full potential, including token-based innovations. While the environment may allow for greater flexibility, they emphasized that projects must remain vigilant against centralization and dependency on trust—two factors that continue to invite regulatory scrutiny.
Looking forward, a16z predicts that small businesses like restaurants will have new avenues to interact with customers through blockchain technology. The firm also foresees the growth of decentralized social platforms and the development of blockchain-supported infrastructure for energy, gaming, and AI sectors.
Next year plans
Next year, a16z plans to actively advocate frameworks that support decentralization and innovation actively actively, stressing that this is both a responsibility and an opportunity for crypto developers. By building transparent projects that address risks and pave the way for new regulatory standards, founders can shape the future of crypto.
Additionally, a16z will release guidance on Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Associations (DUNA), a structure designed to help US-based projects protect token-holders from liability, streamline tax compliance, and foster economic growth.
The executives also gave renewed confidence to founders considering token issuance to distribute control and build community. With regulatory clarity potentially on the horizon, a16z encouraged these projects to move forward, seeing tokens as a lawful, viable tool for growth.
The team concluded on an optimistic note, stating:
“The future of crypto in the US is bright – it’s the perfect time to build here, and we’re excited about the possibility for regulatory clarity to finally come.”