A16z Shifts Focus Back to the US Amid Trump’s Pro-Crypto Policies

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Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of the most prominent venture capital firms in the crypto space, has announced its decision to shut down its UK operations. The move comes in response to what the firm describes as “strong policy momentum” in the United States under President Donald Trump.

A16z Closing UK Office to Prioritize US Market

In a statement shared on X on Friday, Anthony Albanese, the COO of a16z’s crypto division, explained the rationale behind the decision. While acknowledging the UK’s growing enthusiasm for blockchain and digital assets, Albanese confirmed the firm’s shift in focus to the US market.

“This doesn’t change our confidence in the UK’s growing role in crypto and blockchain,” Albanese said, adding that a16z would continue investing globally, including in the UK, despite closing its London office.

The UK office, opened in 2023, was initially heralded as a sign of confidence in the nation’s “predictable business environment.” However, political changes, including the Labour Party’s rise to power and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework by 2026, have coincided with the firm’s decision to scale back its UK presence.

Trump’s Policies

Since his return to the presidency on January 20, Trump has made crypto policy a centerpiece of his administration. Notably, he signed an executive order to create a working group focused on stablecoin regulation and a strategic crypto reserve. Meanwhile, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is forming a task force to develop a broader crypto market framework.

Marc Andreessen, co-founder of a16z, has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s crypto-friendly agenda. He reportedly donated over $5 million to pro-Trump political action committees (PACs) during the 2024 campaign and contributed $22 million to the Fairshake PAC, which promotes pro-crypto congressional candidates.

A16z involvement in Trump’s administration extends beyond financial backing. He is part of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s government efficiency committee, a role that has already sparked lawsuits in the weeks following the inauguration.   

While the UK continues to refine its crypto policies, the lure of Trump’s pro-crypto initiatives is reshaping the priorities of major players like a16z.

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