Despite speculation of a Bengaluru expansion, a16z denies plans for an India office, signaling a pullback from international footprints amid strategic refocusing.
a16z Pushes Back on India Expansion Rumors
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of Silicon Valley’s most influential venture capital firms, has denied reports that it is planning to open an office in India.
- The rumors originated from Indian media outlets, which claimed a16z was preparing to launch a Bengaluru office and hire a local partner.
- In response, Anish Acharya, a general partner at the firm, dismissed the reports outright.
“As much as I adore India and the many impressive founders+investors in the region, this is entirely fake news!” Acharya posted on X.
No India Office — And No Current Plans
A spokesperson for a16z confirmed Acharya’s remarks, reiterating that the firm has no immediate plans to set up a physical presence in India.
- The denial puts to rest growing speculation about a16z’s entry into India’s booming startup ecosystem, which has attracted deep-pocketed U.S. firms like Accel, Lightspeed, and General Catalyst.
A Shift Away from International Offices
The rebuttal comes as a16z appears to be pulling back from international expansion more broadly.
- In early 2024, the firm closed its London office, just 18 months after its much-hyped debut.
- That office had been established after years of U.K. government efforts to woo the firm.
- a16z cited a strategic shift and improved U.S. regulatory conditions as reasons for the closure.
Despite shuttering London, the firm has said it will continue international investments via remote teams and local scouts.
Limited Activity in India So Far
India has not been a major investment destination for a16z, unlike some of its U.S. peers.
- The firm’s only notable India deal remains its 2021 investment in crypto exchange CoinSwitch, part of a $260 million round.
- At the time, a16z was reportedly exploring a $500 million allocation for Indian startups, though no major follow-ups have been made public.
Marc Andreessen on Emerging Market Expansion
The firm’s co-founder, Marc Andreessen, has long acknowledged the complexities of international VC expansion.
“It’s extremely tempting to back startups in emerging markets,” he once said in a Stanford talk, “but venture capital is a very hands-on process… it’s hard to scale across borders.”
His remarks underscore the firm’s caution in pursuing boots-on-the-ground models in new regions — despite growing interest in markets like India.
Why It Matters
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, with strong government backing, a vast developer base, and growing interest from international funds.
- A potential move from a16z would have signaled validation of India’s maturing venture landscape.
- The denial highlights the firm’s preference to stay lean and U.S.-focused, despite opportunities abroad.
For now, it appears a16z will stick to remote investment and strategic bets, rather than setting up full-scale operations in India.
