The a16z Show · Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Adam Neumann expressed his belief that the American dream is rooted in the concept of second chances and the opportunity for anyone to achieve their potential, regardless of their background. He cited his own journey as an immigrant who struggled academically as evidence of this principle.
“And coming here, having an idea, building a business, failing, multiple businesses, then building a bigger business. Maybe not succeeding as much as we wanted to, then building another business.”
“And I think that second chance that concept of anything can happen. That concept, I heard it a lot again in the memorial on Sunday, that concept of a country where we are all have the ability to achieve what we can be, what we can be.”
“Coming as an immigrant from a different country, a kid that in school couldn't even necessarily read, and had to always work out a system of how to get something done.”