Silicon Valley Arms Up: AI’s $100M Bet on Political Power

The artificial intelligence industry has launched a $100 million political initiative, Leading the Future (LTF), to influence U.S. policy and ensure American leadership in AI innovation and governance. The coalition includes prominent venture capital firms and investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Greg and Anna Brockman, Ron Conway, and Joe Lonsdale, with more expected to join in the coming weeks. LTF operates through a network of federal and state Super PACs and 501(c)(4) issue advocacy groups, aiming to support pro-AI candidates and counter policies perceived as stifling innovation [1].

The initiative is modeled after a similar political strategy used by the cryptocurrency industry, emphasizing rapid, bipartisan mobilization to shape regulatory environments. LTF's goal is to promote policies that unlock AI’s transformative potential while opposing restrictions that could slow U.S. development. The group argues that such policies could allow China to gain global AI superiority and hinder the U.S.’s ability to lead in economic growth and national security [1].

LTF’s political strategy is led by two high-profile figures: Zac Moffatt, founder of Targeted Victory, and Josh Vlasto, a partner at Bamberger & Vlasto. Moffatt has extensive experience in digital and political strategy, having raised over $2 billion for political campaigns, while Vlasto has advised top-tier political leaders and companies. Together, they aim to reshape the political landscape around AI by identifying and supporting candidates who advocate for innovation-focused policies [1].

The PACs will operate primarily in states such as New York, California, Illinois, and Ohio, with plans to expand into a national footprint by 2026. These efforts will include independent expenditures in both primary and general elections, as well as grassroots engagement and legislative scorecard production. A key focus will be to counter what LTF describes as anti-innovation narratives and misinformation, particularly as lawmakers consider thousands of proposals that could affect AI development [2].

Collin McCune, head of government affairs at Andreessen Horowitz and a leading organizer of LTF, emphasized the importance of policy in determining the future of AI. In a public statement, he argued that without the right regulatory environment, the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge in AI and, by extension, its economic strength and national security. The initiative builds on Andreessen Horowitz’s previous efforts to oppose federal and state AI regulation and aligns with its broader "Little Tech Agenda," which promotes startup-friendly policies [2].

The formation of LTF reflects a broader trend of the tech industry increasing its political influence, particularly in the regulatory sphere. With AI continuing to reshape industries and economies, the industry's push to shape policy is expected to intensify in the coming years, mirroring the political strategies employed by other high-growth sectors such as cryptocurrency [2].

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[1] AI Industry Launches "Leading the Future" to Drive U.S. AI Leadership, Economic Growth, National Security, and Innovation (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-industry-launches-leading-the-future-to-drive-us-ai-leadership-economic-growth-national-security-and-innovation-302537548.html)

[2] Andreessen Horowitz Joins $100 Million Effort to Shape AI Regulation (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-25/andreessen-horowitz-joins-100-million-effort-to-shape-ai-regulation)