Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and General Catalyst are stepping up efforts to secure high-demand AI chips for their portfolio startups amid a global shortage of powerful GPUs. The chips are essential for developing and training advanced AI models. Investors are stockpiling hardware and offering startups computing power at reduced rates or in exchange for equity.
Access to computing power has become as crucial as capital for AI companies. Andreessen Horowitz is reportedly building a large GPU inventory, including top-tier Nvidia chips, to support its portfolio companies. The effort signals a broader role for venture capital firms: alongside funding startups, they are increasingly providing critical infrastructure.