A16z Hires VC Podcaster Erik Torenberg as Partner

Erik Torenberg Joins A16z as Partner After Turpentine Podcast Acquisition

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of Silicon Valley’s most influential venture capital firms, just made another high-profile move, this time by bringing in Erik Torenberg, a well-known VC tech podcaster and investor, as a new general partner. The firm also acquired his popular podcast, Turpentine, marking yet another step in a16z's growing push into content and media.

Let’s break down what this means and why it matters for both the VC world and startup ecosystem.

A Strategic Acqui-Hire: What A16z Gains

This is more than just a hiring announcement, it's a calculated acqui-hire.

Torenberg's podcast, Turpentine, is widely followed by the startup and venture capital community. The show features candid interviews with top-tier investors, including Accel’s Andrew Braccia, Alexis Ohanian of Seven Seven Six, and Benchmark’s Sarah Tavel and Eric Vishria.

By acquiring Turpentine, a16z brings a large, loyal audience into its media ecosystem, one that overlaps neatly with its existing content strategy of founder-focused storytelling and tech thought leadership. The move also strengthens its position as both a VC firm and a media company, continuing a trend it has leaned into over the years with original blogs, podcasts, and YouTube content.

Who is Erik Torenberg?

Erik Torenberg isn't just a podcast host. He’s a deeply embedded player in Silicon Valley’s tech and investment scene. His background includes:

• Early Employee at Product Hunt: One of the internet’s most influential product discovery platforms.
• Founding Partner at Village Global: A venture firm backed by the likes of Bill Gates, Reid Hoffman, and Jeff Bezos.
• Cofounder of On Deck: A startup accelerator and founder fellowship program that helps build early-stage tech companies.
• Angel & VC Investor: He has backed fast-growing startups like Figma, Lattice, Scale AI, Replit, Flexport, and Perplexity AI.

This track record makes Torenberg a valuable addition to a16z’s roster. His ability to identify promising founders early and his deep ties to both investors and operators give him a unique edge.

What Happens to Turpentine?

Torenberg has said he plans to keep the Turpentine podcast running but its direction may evolve.

Andreessen Horowitz already produces a range of media content via its A16z Podcast and YouTube channels, but its content typically focuses on founders and product builders rather than fellow investors. Torenberg’s content often flips that script by spotlighting VCs and unpacking how they think.

Whether the podcast shifts focus to align more with a16z’s content goals remains to be seen. But given Torenberg's editorial freedom and storytelling skills, Turpentine could become a powerful asset in the firm’s content arsenal.

A16z’s Media Machine Keeps Growing

This move is part of a broader trend: Andreessen Horowitz is actively building its own media empire.

The firm has made it clear that controlling the narrative, especially in a world where mainstream tech coverage can be hostile, is vital to its mission. Founder Marc Andreessen has spoken about the importance of “narrative leverage”, and the firm’s aggressive hiring of content creators shows it's doubling down.

Alongside Torenberg, a16z has recently onboarded:

• Former Congressman Patrick McHenry: He was influential in crafting U.S. crypto policy and brings political clout to the firm.
• Ex-Marine Daniel Penny: Hired several months ago, likely adding a unique operational or strategic edge to the team.

This blend of investors, policymakers, content creators, and strategists reflects how a16z sees the future of venture capital, as a multi-dimensional ecosystem where money, media, and influence go hand in hand.

Why This Matters for Founders and VCs Alike

• For Founders: Expect even more in-depth, founder-focused content and potential exposure through a16z’s media arms. If you're building in AI, crypto, biotech, or enterprise SaaS, this could mean more visibility for your startup, especially if you're part of the a16z network.
• For VCs: A16z continues to build the blueprint for what modern venture firms look like. It’s not just about writing checks, it’s about brand, reach, influence, and ecosystem control.
• For Media Watchers: This is another signal that traditional tech media is being disrupted, not by new publications, but by the firms they cover. More VCs are creating their own platforms, bypassing traditional media altogether.

Final Thoughts

Erik Torenberg joining Andreessen Horowitz is more than just a partnership announcement, it’s a power move. With his podcast in tow and a track record of investing in breakout startups, he adds immediate value to a16z’s portfolio and media strategy. It also underlines a larger trend: content is no longer a side gig in venture, it’s central to the strategy.

Whether Turpentine evolves or stays the same, Torenberg’s arrival brings more narrative firepower to one of the loudest voices in tech investing.

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