From PR to VC: A Q&A with the Newest Partner at Andreessen Horowitz

In 1997, Margit Wennmachers co-founded OutCast Communications, quickly transforming it into one of tech’s top public relations firms. Its many social functions have been attended by nearly every tech entrepreneur, investor, reporter and startup executive in Silicon Valley. Its long client list includes Facebook and Bloom Energy, along with such public company heavyweights as Amazon, Yahoo, and Salesforce.com. Now, after helping Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz launch their year-old venture capital firm, Wennmachers is leaving Outcast to become a partner alongside them. I caught up with her earlier today to ask more about her role, and the usual -- but not unprecedented -- transition she is making from public relations to venture capital.