Do Revenue and Margins Still Matter in AI?
The a16z Show
2025/12/18
Do Revenue and Margins Still Matter in AI?
Do Revenue and Margins Still Matter in AI?

The a16z Show
2025/12/18
Shownote
Shownote
In this episode, we’re sharing a conversation with David George, General Partner at a16z on the firm’s growth investing team. David has been involved in backing many of the defining companies of this era and is now investing behind a new wave of AI startup...
Highlights
Highlights
In a landscape where technology is rapidly redefining value creation, venture capital must evolve beyond traditional models to capture the next wave of innovation. This conversation dives into how one of Silicon Valley’s most influential firms is adapting its strategy in real time, particularly as artificial intelligence reshapes industries and investment theses. Rather than relying on outdated metrics or rigid processes, the focus has shifted to identifying outlier founders, understanding organic market demand, and positioning early in transformative shifts.
Chapters
Chapters
Can Big Funds Still Win in Today’s Venture Landscape?
00:00What Really Matters When Betting on AI Startups?
15:06Why Is Rapid, Organic Growth a Signal of Future Dominance?
27:54How Do You Spot the Next Unstoppable Company Before Everyone Else?
44:05What Will Power the Next Decade of Innovation: Health and Robots?
58:39Transcript
Transcript
David George: Our best performing fund in the history of the firm is actually a $1 billion fund. If you overweight the fear of future theoretical competition, you can always talk yourself out of making an investment. The number one way to measure a company...