Ben Horowitz Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / October 15, 2024
Ben Horowitz Then
Ben Horowitz, born on June 13, 1966, in London, England, has carved a significant path in the tech industry as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist.
Raised in Berkeley, California, he was the son of Elissa Krauthamer and David Horowitz, a noted conservative writer and policy advocate.
This background instilled in him a strong work ethic and a diverse worldview.
His lineage is rooted in Jewish heritage, with his great-grandparents having emigrated from the Russian Empire to the United States in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.
This immigrant narrative not only shapes his identity but also resonates with his values of resilience and ambition.
Horowitz’s academic journey began at Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in computer science in 1988.
He then furthered his education at UCLA, obtaining a Master of Science in the same field in 1990.
This robust educational foundation provided him with the technical expertise and analytical skills necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology.
After completing his studies, Horowitz entered the workforce, eventually co-founding the software company Opsware, which played a pivotal role in the evolution of enterprise software.
His experiences in both academia and industry laid the groundwork for his future success as a venture capitalist, where he now invests in and advises a wide array of technology startups through his firm, Andreessen Horowitz.
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Ben Horowitz Career
Ben Horowitz began his professional journey in the technology sector in 1990 as an engineer at Silicon Graphics, where he gained invaluable experience in computer graphics and high-performance computing.
This initial role laid a solid foundation for his career in tech entrepreneurship.
In 1995, he joined Marc Andreessen at Netscape as a product manager, a move that would significantly shape his trajectory.
At Netscape, he quickly ascended to the position of Vice President for the Directory and Security Product Line from 1997 to 1998.
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Following Netscape’s acquisition by AOL in 1998, Horowitz served as Vice President of AOL’s eCommerce Division, further honing his skills in product management and strategic leadership.
In September 1999, Horowitz co-founded Loudcloud alongside Andreessen, Tim Howes, and In Sik Rhee.
Loudcloud emerged as a pioneering company offering infrastructure and application hosting services to notable clients, including Ford Motor Company, Nike, and the United States Army.
Under Horowitz’s leadership, Loudcloud went public on March 9, 2001, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
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However, the dot-com bubble burst soon after, prompting Horowitz to pivot the company towards a more sustainable model.
In June 2002, he initiated a transformation by selling Loudcloud’s core managed services business to Electronic Data Systems for $63.5 million, transitioning the company into Opsware, an enterprise software provider.
Horowitz’s vision for Opsware was instrumental in its growth; he successfully cultivated a client base that generated over $100 million in annual revenue and employed around 550 people.
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His leadership saw Opsware thrive even in challenging market conditions, with its shares experiencing dramatic fluctuations, from a low of $0.35 to a high of $14.25 before being sold to Hewlett-Packard for $1.6 billion in cash in 2007.
Following this sale, Horowitz spent a year at Hewlett-Packard as Vice President and General Manager of HP Software, overseeing 3,000 employees and $2.8 billion in annual revenue, which further solidified his reputation as a leader in the tech industry.
In July 2009, Horowitz teamed up with Andreessen again to establish Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm designed to invest in both early-stage startups and established tech companies.
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The firm was initially capitalized with $300 million and quickly gained traction, amassing $2.7 billion under management within three years across three funds.
Andreessen Horowitz has since become a leading force in Silicon Valley, renowned for its strategic investments and for providing mentorship to a diverse array of tech startups, reflecting Horowitz’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology sector.
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Ben Horowitz’s Wife and Children
Ben Horowitz resides in Las Vegas with his wife, Felicia Wiley Horowitz, whom he married in 1988.
Their long-lasting partnership has produced three children, reflecting a strong family unit that balances Horowitz’s demanding professional life with personal commitments.
Felicia, who has supported Horowitz throughout his entrepreneurial journey, plays an integral role in their family dynamics.
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Together, they navigate the challenges of raising children while fostering an environment that encourages creativity and ambition.
Their home life in Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant culture and business opportunities, complements Horowitz’s work in the tech industry, allowing him to engage with the entrepreneurial community while remaining connected to his family.
Ben Horowitz Now
At 58 years old, Ben Horowitz is a prominent figure in the world of technology and venture capital.
As an American businessman and investor, he has made significant contributions to the tech industry, particularly as a co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, which he established alongside Marc Andreessen.
This firm has become a powerhouse in Silicon Valley, known for its strategic investments in innovative startups and established companies alike.
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Horowitz’s deep understanding of technology and entrepreneurship has positioned him as a trusted advisor and mentor in the venture capital landscape.
Prior to founding Andreessen Horowitz, Horowitz co-founded Opsware, where he served as president and CEO.
Under his leadership, Opsware evolved into a successful enterprise software company that Hewlett-Packard acquired in 2007 for $1.6 billion.
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This experience not only solidified his reputation as a skilled entrepreneur but also provided him with firsthand insights into the challenges and intricacies of building and scaling a technology company.
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Horowitz is also a well-respected author.
His book, The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers, offers candid insights and practical advice on navigating the complexities of startup life.
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Drawing from his own experiences, he addresses the difficult decisions that entrepreneurs face and provides strategies for overcoming obstacles.
His second book, What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture, delves into the importance of company culture in shaping a successful organization.
Through his writing, Horowitz has become a thought leader, sharing valuable lessons that resonate with aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike.
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FAQs
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) manages approximately $35 billion in assets as of 2023, making it one of the largest venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. However, its specific “worth” can fluctuate based on the performance of its investments.
Yes, Ben Horowitz and his wife, Felicia Wiley Horowitz, have three children together.
Ben Horowitz resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with his wife and children.
As of 2024, Andreessen Horowitz has approximately 15 general partners, alongside a team of other investment professionals and support staff.