Marc Andreessen, the prominent venture capitalist, is known for his optimistic outlook on artificial intelligence (AI). Through his firm, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), he’s invested heavily in AI-related ventures, believing they’ll be both profitable and beneficial for the world. Recently, Andreessen revealed another reason for his lack of AI concern: he believes his profession, venture capital, is immune to automation.
In a recent a16z podcast, Andreessen predicted that venture capital might be one of the last human jobs standing after AI disrupts most of the labor market. He pointed out that even the most successful venture capitalists have a historically low success rate, typically identifying only a small fraction of the truly successful companies.
Andreessen described his role as requiring a complex blend of “intangible” skills, particularly the psychological assessment of entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of understanding how individuals react under pressure and providing guidance to prevent burnout, highlighting the significant psychological aspect of his work.
He suggested that this human element – the psychological analysis, mentorship, and emotional support – might be “timeless” and resistant to automation. Even when AI takes over other tasks, Andreessen believes the nuanced interpersonal dynamics of venture capital will remain a distinctly human endeavor.
It’s ironic to hear this argument from Andreessen, echoing the age-old claim that “technology can’t replace my job.” This refrain has been repeated throughout history, often preceding job displacement due to automation. A sufficiently advanced AI, fed with vast amounts of psychological data, could potentially surpass human judgment in assessing entrepreneurs and managing businesses. Isn’t this the very capability that proponents of AI, including Andreessen, often tout?
Andreessen’s techno-optimism, as evident in his “Techno-Optimist’s Manifesto,” has been criticized for its disconnect from reality. His belief in the AI-proof nature of venture capital might be another example of this perspective. However, within the privileged circles of Silicon Valley, such self-serving views are perhaps not uncommon.
