a16z launches $1.1B Machine Age fund, focusing on hardware and robotics

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a Silicon Valley venture capital firm, recently launched a new fund called "Machine Age," raising $1.1 billion. This fund will focus on hardware, a shift from its usual software investments. It covers areas like computer chips, memory, data centers, and robotics. The firm says it needs faster, more efficient systems, cheaper and higher-bandwidth memory, and better interconnect solutions, all built on infrastructure like cooling, materials, and power. Founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, a16z manages over $90 billion in assets, investing from seed to growth stages.