26 Feb 2026
47m

When Giants Don’t Go Public: Inside the $5 Trillion Private Tech Market

Podcast cover

The a16z Show

The podcast explores why companies are staying private longer, the dynamics of private versus public markets, and the implications of AI on these trends. David George from a16z discusses the shift in value creation, noting that a significant portion of market cap creation now occurs in private markets. He attributes this to deeper private capital markets, structural challenges in going public, and the desire for founders to maintain control. The conversation touches on employee compensation, the rise of SPVs, and the potential for outcome-based pricing to disrupt legacy software companies. George also highlights the immense demand for AI and its potential to reshape the software industry, emphasizing the importance of industry-specific knowledge and adaptable business models.

Outlines

Part 1: Private Market Dynamics

Part 2: Investment Structures and Valuation

Part 3: AI Revolution and Market Impact

Part 4: Conclusion

Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.

Open full episode in Podwise