The a16z Show · Friday, September 25, 2026
The value of endorsements from influential figures like Patrick Collison, Elon Musk, and Mark Andreessen is increasingly seen as more impressive than traditional academic credentials from institutions like Stanford. This highlights a shift towards peer-to-peer credentialing, where the trust and validation from respected individuals hold significant weight in professional circles. This concept is a core tenet behind the development of new reputation-based platforms.
“What's more impressive to you? Someone who went to Stanford or someone who is followed by Patrick Collison and Elon Musk, Mark Andreessen, etc.”
“What's more impressive to you? Someone who went to Stanford or someone who is followed by Patrick Collison, Elon Musk, Mark Andreessen, etc.”
“I think most people say the latter.”
“And it's kind of like peer-to-peer credential.”