[A16Z, Kindred] @KaitoAI , @Kindred_AI Recently, the CEO of the Kindred team tweeted about discussions with a16z to build the next generation as true companions (existent companions). Many people are becoming more interested in Kindred due to a16z's news and are looking forward to collaboration, which made me wonder what a16z is that draws people's attention. So, I looked into what A16Z is and its recent investment targets and trends. What is A16Z? • A fund managed by the famous venture capital (VC) firm Andreessen Horowitz, specializing in investments in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3 technologies. • a16z is considered one of the largest investors in the cryptocurrency industry. Investment Fund Size • Since its founding in 2009, it started with $300 million in funding, but has actively introduced 'sector funds' that focus on specific technology areas such as bio, fintech, gaming, and cryptocurrency, securing funds at the fastest pace in history. • Launched a $4.5 billion fund investing in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, with total assets under management of $46 billion as of September 2025. Investment Strategy and Features • Diverse Investments Invests in technology companies at all stages, from early to growth stages. • Broad Investment Areas Extensively invests in technology-related fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), bio/healthcare, cryptocurrency, fintech, and gaming. • Emphasis on Network Effects Values companies that have 'network effects,' where the value of products or services increases as the number of users grows. • Long-term Perspective on Investments Focuses on the long-term sustainability and growth of companies rather than short-term profits (supporting long-term growth even in the volatile cryptocurrency sector). Key Investment Targets • Blockchain Infrastructure Invests in core blockchain networks and layer 2 solutions that support the next generation of Web3, such as Ethereum, Solana, and Sui. • DeFi Invests in decentralized exchanges and lending protocols like Uniswap that will shape the future of decentralized finance. • NFTs and Gaming Sees NFTs (Dapper Labs, OpenSea) that establish ownership of digital assets and gaming as a strong driver to attract new people to the cryptocurrency community, investing in blockchain gaming platforms like Yield Guild Games (YGG) and ZED RUN. • AI and Blockchain Convergence Views the convergence of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence (AI) as a key trend for the next generation, paying attention to new projects that combine these two technologies, including various AI-related projects like AI wallets and AI agents. Investment Examples • Uniswap 2020: Invested $11 million in the Series A round led by a16z. 2022: Added $165 million in the Series B round. • Solana 2021: Raised $314.15 million (approximately 350 billion KRW) in an investment round led by a16z and Polychain Capital. • Sky Mavis 2021: Invested $150 million in Sky Mavis, the developer of the popular game 'Axie Infinity.' • EigenLayer a16z invested $70 million in EigenLayer, an Ethereum restaking protocol. [Conclusion] While I have often seen news of a16z's investments among well-known projects, I didn't realize how much influence a16z has in cryptocurrency. I wondered if such rapid growth is possible just by looking at the investment funds or examples. In the investment strategy, I now think that AI and cryptocurrency are key trends, so I pay attention to projects related to AI. I believe that the AI project Kindred, which learns emotions through Long-Term Memory Processor and Emotion Engine, will also be reflected positively.