Arianna Simpson

Arianna Simpson

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a16z crypto GP; founder journeys, crypto product/markets.

Stablecoins Drive Agent‑Forward Economy, Boosting Transaction Volumes
SocialMar 23, 2026

Stablecoins Drive Agent‑Forward Economy, Boosting Transaction Volumes

As the world recalibrates to become agent-forward, stablecoins are accelerating the transition. They enable agents to transact as humans—pushing transaction volumes to new highs and bridging crypto & TradFi. So much more to come from this category. Loved unpacking it...

By Arianna Simpson
Aging Brings Peace Through Knowing What You Want
SocialMar 12, 2026

Aging Brings Peace Through Knowing What You Want

One of the best parts of getting older is knowing with absolutely certainty what you do and don’t want. I often find myself thinking wow, I’m so glad I’m not married to that person, or wow, I’m so glad I...

By Arianna Simpson
Founders Need Brutal Truths, Not Just Nice Investors
SocialMar 10, 2026

Founders Need Brutal Truths, Not Just Nice Investors

If you're a founder, picking the nice investor won't get you far. You don't need someone to tell you you're smart. That's what your mom is for. You need someone who can dole out the hard truths about your business,...

By Arianna Simpson
Crypto Incentives Can Fuel AI’s Data Hunger
SocialFeb 26, 2026

Crypto Incentives Can Fuel AI’s Data Hunger

So many interesting ideas to explore at this intersection. One such example: crypto is great at using incentives (i.e. $) to get people to do something, and AI companies are incredibly data-hungry. If you can use crypto incentives to get...

By Arianna Simpson
Now's the Perfect Time to Launch a Contrarian Fund
SocialFeb 24, 2026

Now's the Perfect Time to Launch a Contrarian Fund

Perfect. Never been a better time for me to start a fund. Contrarian, just how I like it! 🤣

By Arianna Simpson
Bay Relocation Signals Founder Seriousness, Not Random Investor Bias
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Bay Relocation Signals Founder Seriousness, Not Random Investor Bias

The hardest core founders have always moved to the Bay -- living in this area is an indication of seriousness. Investors are not drawing from a random sample.

By Arianna Simpson
Software's Toughest Challenge: Standardizing Messy Business, Not Coding
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Software's Toughest Challenge: Standardizing Messy Business, Not Coding

Yes, it's true: the hardest part of software was never the technical aspect. What software does it is it takes the messy reality of business and turns it into a series of standardized flows and processes. That's the hard...

By Arianna Simpson
In AI Era, VC Success Hinges on Taste
SocialFeb 16, 2026

In AI Era, VC Success Hinges on Taste

This. In a world in which AI can generate infinite everything — images, content, you name it — the key differentiator becomes curation, which requires taste to be done well. VC is the ultimate test of taste. I don’t think...

By Arianna Simpson