The a16z Show · Friday, August 14, 2026
Ben Horowitz and Travis Kalanick discussed the evolution of 'founder culture,' referencing Uber's original 'meritocracy slash toast stepping' ethos. Kalanick explained that this has been rebranded as 'the best idea wins' in his current company, emphasizing the importance of fighting for the best ideas even if it means upsetting some people. This approach is seen as crucial for avoiding mediocre or politically expedient decisions.
“The real question is, when are you guys gonna buy Uber?”
“We've rebranded it, the current company. We call it to the best idea wins, but the toast stepping is important because there's so many people that are not willing to fight for the best idea because they're going to upset somebody else.”
“If you don't fight for the best idea, then what idea are you fighting for? You're fighting for the mediocre idea, the politically expedient idea.”