Silicon Valley Pours $100 Million Into AI Super PAC, Mirroring Crypto Lobbying Strategy

A new political spending network called Leading the Future is launching with over $100 million in backing from Silicon Valley heavyweights, aiming to shape U.S. policy on artificial intelligence ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

Tech Leaders Back Industry-Friendly AI Policy

According to the Wall Street Journal, the initiative has drawn support from venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI president Greg Brockman and his wife, AI startup Perplexity, investor Joe Lonsdale, and angel investor Ron Conway. Organizers say the network will direct funds toward political campaigns, digital advertising, allied federal and state PACs, as well as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit.

The mission is to promote policies favorable to the AI industry and to push back against candidates who advocate for restrictive regulations. While the group insists it is not calling for complete deregulation, it strongly opposes efforts to preemptively limit AI deployment.

A Bipartisan Push Across Key States

Leading the Future plans to begin operations later this year in politically influential states including New York, California, Illinois, and Ohio. The organization says it intends to support both Democrats and Republicans, framing its campaign as a counterweight to growing calls for strict, precautionary oversight of artificial intelligence.

Echoes of Crypto’s Political Playbook

The effort reflects a broader trend of technology industries mobilizing to influence Washington. Organizers openly compare their approach to Fairshake, the crypto-backed super PAC that has recently funneled tens of millions into U.S. elections to sway regulatory outcomes.

By following a similar model, Silicon Valley’s AI leaders are betting that significant political spending can help secure a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while fending off measures they view as stifling.