Ben Horowitz: Why Open Source AI Will Determine America's Future
a16z Podcast
3 DAYS AGO
Ben Horowitz: Why Open Source AI Will Determine America's Future
Ben Horowitz: Why Open Source AI Will Determine America's Future

a16z Podcast
3 DAYS AGO
In a candid conversation at Columbia Business School, Ben Horowitz unpacks the real stakes behind the U.S.-China AI race, challenging conventional wisdom about secrecy, innovation, and national competitiveness. Far from a technical arms race, the battle for AI dominance is being won through cultural and structural choices—choices that are quietly reshaping global technological influence.
Horowitz argues that the U.S. is losing the AI culture war not because of inferior technology, but due to self-imposed isolation through closed development models. While America treats AI like a classified project, China has embraced open-source collaboration, embedding its influence globally through platforms like DeepSeek. This shift allows Chinese-developed AI to permeate U.S. labs and companies, carrying with it underlying cultural values. Over-regulation and secrecy stifle American innovation, while physical AI and robotics face supply chain vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, crypto emerges as a potential trust layer for AI, offering decentralized verification. High AI valuations are justified by real performance gains, unlike past bubbles. Ultimately, organizational culture—defined by consistent actions under pressure—determines long-term success, both in companies and nations.
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Open-source AI is essential for democratic values and technological leadership
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Regulating AI models is challenging because it's hard to define how much 'math' is too much.
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Crypto could serve as the economic network for AI by verifying identity and provenance
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Companies are staying private longer due to regulatory changes and market developments.
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Fining for lateness and firing for discouraging entrepreneurs are cultural markers.