Accel is a global venture capital firm that invests in early- and growth-stage technology startups across sectors including cybersecurity, AI, and enterprise software.
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is a Menlo Park venture capital firm investing across software, fintech, crypto, biotech, and AI, with over $100B in assets under management.
The Verdict: Accel vs Andreessen Horowitz
Accel, founded in 1983 in Palo Alto, is roughly $36B in AUM after closing a $5B Leaders Fund V plus a $650M AI sidecar in 2026 for late-stage checks near $200M. Andreessen Horowitz, founded in 2009 in Menlo Park, is more than double that size at roughly $90B AUM following a record $15B raise in early 2026. Accel runs a more traditional early-to-growth model built around sector specialists; a16z runs a broader platform model with dedicated funds across crypto, biotech, fintech, and defense-adjacent tech.
Accel fits founders and LPs who want a firm with a long, disciplined track record in enterprise software, cybersecurity, and AI infrastructure, and late-stage backing tied to breakout returns from names like Anthropic and Cursor. a16z fits founders who want in-house policy, recruiting, and marketing infrastructure alongside capital, and LPs who want maximum sector breadth in one commitment. Anyone comparing pure scale should note a16z's AUM is roughly 2.5x Accel's, but Accel's newest fund shows it isn't standing still on AI.
Frequently asked questions
Is Accel bigger than Andreessen Horowitz?
No. a16z manages about $90B in AUM versus Accel's roughly $36B after its 2026 Leaders Fund V close. a16z has been the larger firm since its AUM surged past the $50B mark years ago, and the gap widened further with a16z's $15B raise in early 2026.
What is Accel's newest fund?
In 2026 Accel closed $5B split between a $4B Leaders Fund V and a $650M sidecar, both targeting late-stage AI companies globally with average checks around $200M, following its earlier $4B global later-stage fund in 2025.
Which firm is older, Accel or a16z?
Accel, founded in 1983, is 26 years older than Andreessen Horowitz, founded in 2009. Accel's longer history includes early bets on Facebook and Slack, while a16z built its brand more recently around founder-friendly platform services.
Data from Value Add Pulse coverage and company research — see the full threads for Accel and Andreessen Horowitz.