The a16z Show
Chris Best of Substack on the Future of Media
The a16z Show discusses tech and culture trends, news, and the future – especially as ‘software eats the world’. It features industry experts, business leaders, and other interesting thinkers and voices from around the world. This show is produced by Andreessen Horowitz (aka “a16z”), a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. Multiple episodes are released every week; visit a16z.com for more details and to sign up for our newsletters and other content as well!
Show Notes
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What if the future of media isn’t controlled by algorithms or legacy institutions—but by independent voices building directly with their audiences?
In this episode, Erik Torenberg is joined by Chris Best, cofounder and CEO of Substack, along with a16z general partners Katherine Boyle and Andrew Chen.
We trace the origin story of Substack and its cultural impact, including how it reinvented the business model for independent media. We also explore the evolution of blogging, the rebundling of media, and what the future holds as attention becomes the scarcest resource.
Timecodes:
Introduction
Origins of Substack
The Evolution of Blogging & Media Models
Direct Audience Connection & Platform Independence
Vision for Substack & The Role of Algorithms
Business Models: Ads, Subscriptions, and AI
The Scarcity of Attention & Value of Good Content
Unbundling, Rebundling, and the Future of Media Companies
Academia, Books, and Changing Content Formats
Substack’s Next Phase & Closing Thoughts
Resources:
Find Chris on Substack: https://cb.substack.com/
Find Chris on X: https://x.com/cjgbest
Find Andrew Chen on Substack: https://andrewchen.substack.com/
Find Andrew on X: https://x.com/andrewchen
Find Katherine on X: https://x.com/KTmBoyle
Find Katherine on Substack: https://boyle.substack.com/
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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