Chris Dixon
VCFounder and Managing Partner, a16z crypto
Founder of a16z crypto, Web3 and blockchain champion
Background
Chris Dixon is the founder and managing partner of a16z crypto, which he established in 2013 and has grown to over $9.8 billion across five dedicated funds. He is the author of 'Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet' (Random House, 2024), which articulates his thesis that blockchains can restore the decentralized ideals of the early internet. Before a16z, he co-founded SiteAdvisor (acquired by McAfee in 2006) and Hunch (acquired by eBay in 2011), and co-founded Founder Collective seed fund. In 2026, a16z crypto is targeting approximately $2 billion for its fifth fund. He holds a BA and MA from Columbia and an MBA from Harvard.
Investment Thesis
Blockchains enable 'read-write-own' internet architectures that create open, decentralized networks superior to closed platform models; crypto and AI together will redefine creative and computing economies.
Investment Focus
Stages
Typical check: $10M–$100M
Sectors
Based in: United States (North America)
Notable Investments
Coinbase
Early $25M investment; NASDAQ: COIN
Uniswap
Leading decentralized exchange protocol
OpenSea
Largest NFT marketplace; board member
Solana
High-performance blockchain; a16z crypto investment
Compound
DeFi lending protocol; a16z crypto investment
Dapper Labs
Creator of NBA Top Shot and Flow blockchain
Alchemy
Blockchain developer platform; a16z crypto investment
Yuga Labs
BAYC creator; a16z crypto investment