How Global Networks Are Reshaping Startup Success

Elena Burger is joined by a16z’s Angela Strange and Gabriel Vasquez to discuss the rise of the "borderless founder": entrepreneurs who bring the networks and insights of their home markets together with the talent, capital, and speed of Silicon Valley to build global companies.

Angela and Gabriel trace how a16z's international investing efforts grew from early work in Latin America into a broader global network, and why AI has accelerated the flow of founders and talent between Silicon Valley and startup ecosystems around the world. They explore the advantages borderless founders can bring, from differentiated talent networks and early customers to strong local brands and communities that help open doors across markets.

They also discuss how founder diasporas can function like powerful alumni networks, why spending time in Silicon Valley can help founders recalibrate around speed and ambition, and how the next generation of global companies may increasingly be built across multiple countries from day one.

Resources:

Read Angela Strange and Gabriel Vasquez's piece on Borderless Founders: https://www.a16z.news/p/rise-of-the-borderless-founder

Follow Angela Strange on X: https://x.com/astrange

Follow Gabriel Vasquez on X: https://x.com/GEVS94

Follow Elena Burger on X: https://x.com/VirtualElena

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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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