Technology is now central to how countries defend themselves, grow their economies, and provide for their citizens. For American innovators, this creates both an opportunity and a responsibility: to ensure the technologies we build strengthen America and our allies.
In conversations with government leaders around the world, I hear a consistent message. They want to adopt American innovation, and they want to build with us—through shared capabilities, joint ventures, and partnerships that meet their countries’ needs. Turning that interest into meaningful collaboration requires understanding what governments are trying to accomplish, how they make decisions, and where technology can make a practical difference.
Today, I’m pleased to welcome Andy Baker, former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor, as an Advisor to a16z’s Global Affairs mission.
Andy brings experience in diplomacy and national security at the highest levels of government. He served as Deputy National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump and National Security Advisor to Vice President JD Vance, helping develop and execute U.S. foreign policy and national security strategy. Previously, he advised then-Senator Vance on foreign policy and national security. Earlier in his career, Andy spent more than a decade as a Foreign Service Officer, including assignments in Afghanistan and at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
That experience matters for our founders. Companies building in AI, defense, cybersecurity, energy, and critical infrastructure increasingly operate in markets where government priorities and commercial opportunities are closely connected. They need to understand how their technologies address a country’s strategic needs, which partnerships can help them succeed, and how geopolitical developments may affect their plans.
Andy will advise Global Affairs and our portfolio companies on these questions, bringing a practitioner’s understanding of international affairs and government decision-making. His perspective will help founders assess opportunities, navigate geopolitical complexity, and build partnerships that support the adoption of American technology.
We established Global Affairs to connect the ambition of our founders with the needs of America and our allies. The work is practical: helping countries access and build with critical technologies, helping companies navigate unfamiliar markets, and turning shared priorities into lasting capabilities.
Andy will make that work stronger. Please join me in welcoming him to Andreessen Horowitz.