{
  "id": 5453106,
  "title": "VC isn't VC anymore",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/vc-isnt-vc-anymore-5453106",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-02T22:05:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hacker News Best",
    "slug": "hacker-news-best",
    "url": "https://www.anildash.com/2026/09/02/cancer-capital/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Venture capital is no longer the same as it once was, according to a former venture capitalist. The traditional model of investors funding startups has been replaced by a handful of billionaire figures who use the guise of VC to push their own agenda. These \"cancer capitalists\" have warped the structure of venture capital into an oligarchy that answers to no one. They are accountable only to themselves, not to markets, regulators, or voters.\n\nThe author, who has firsthand experience in venture capital, explains that the current reality is far removed from the conventional perception. He raises tens of millions of dollars in venture capital and has been involved in raising hundreds of millions more. However, he observes that many societal and political issues, from data center installations to enshittified apps, are being exacerbated by these powerful figures. They have turned venture capital into a means of advancing their own interests rather than funding innovative companies.\n\nOne example cited is the political influence of firms like Andreessen Horowitz. The firm's political infiltration has been called out by a former partner, John O’Farrell, who highlighted their \"political infiltration\" of AI policy. Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and their firm have invested $115.3 million in the midterm cycle, nearly double their 2024 investment. They contribute over 20% of all political contributions from crypto and AI companies, funneling funds to candidates in both parties.\n\nThis shift in venture capital's purpose is also illustrated by the firm's hiring decisions. Andreessen Horowitz hired someone for a partner position without any relevant tech, finance, or startup background, solely based on a negative action he took. This level of brazenness and toxicity is indicative of how the industry has transformed into a political and social machine focused on undermining democracy and civil society. The author emphasizes the need to understand this change and take appropriate action.",
  "summary": "Article URL: https://www.anildash.com/2026/09/02/cancer-capital/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49543220 Points: 228 # Comments: 194",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hacker News",
        "title": "VC isn't VC anymore",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/vc-isnt-vc-anymore",
        "published": "2026-09-02T22:05:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}