a16z commits $23M to promote crypto regulation in 2026

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has pledged over $23 million to Fairshake and affiliated political action committees (PACs) for the 2026 midterm elections.

The investment aims to build bipartisan support for a “practical regulatory framework” that fosters consumer safety and supports innovation in the crypto industry.

"Crypto isn’t red or blue but is critical in ensuring America remains the leader in technology for decades to come," a16z stated in its announcement.

According to the firm, the funds will support Fairshake’s mission to bring crypto issues to the forefront of U.S. policy discussions.

This approach involves direct engagement with lawmakers, introducing policymakers to entrepreneurs and developers to demonstrate crypto’s potential and challenges under supportive regulation.

a16z’s educational push is also intended to prevent regulatory enforcement without legislative input, which the firm argues could lead to "arbitrary enforcement actions" that bypass Congress.

It contends that clear guidelines are necessary for a compliant and thriving crypto sector.

According to a16z, rising crypto adoption has increased the urgency for regulatory clarity.

With over 40 million Americans now holding digital assets, exchange-traded products in Bitcoin and Ethereum have accounted for $65 billion in on-chain holdings.

The firm highlights stablecoins as a key component of the ecosystem, noting their substantial holdings in U.S. treasuries.

a16z is calling for stablecoin regulations that promote competition and economic stability, as well as a compliance framework supporting legitimate decentralised networks and businesses.

This commitment from a16z comes amid broader industry efforts to support crypto-friendly lawmakers.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong recently announced a $25 million commitment to Fairshake PAC, emphasising the 2026 midterms as an opportunity to elect a “crypto-friendly Congress” that champions U.S. innovation.