In a significant move signaling the AI industry’s growing influence in shaping national policy, a coalition of leading AI companies and innovators has officially launched “Leading the Future” (LTF). Announced on August 25, 2025, this new national political operation boasts over $100 million in initial funding from top industry stakeholders and aims to drive American leadership in artificial intelligence, foster economic growth, and bolster national security.
The Ambitious Mission of Leading the Future
Leading the Future is committed to ensuring the United States remains the preeminent global force in AI innovation, development, and governance. The initiative’s core mission involves advancing a clear, high-level policy agenda at both federal and state levels. LTF intends to serve as the central political and policy hub for the entire AI industry, advocating for policies that unlock AI’s transformative economic benefits while opposing measures that could stifle development or cede global AI superiority to competitors, particularly China. This effort represents a comprehensive, bipartisan push by the AI sector to organize political support and elect candidates aligned with a pro-innovation agenda.
Backed by Industry Giants and Influential People
This ambitious undertaking is backed by substantial financial commitments from prominent figures and firms deeply invested in the AI ecosystem. Key supporters include venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, Ron Conway of SV Angel, Joe Lonsdale of 8VC, and AI search engine Perplexity, among others. These top industry leaders and innovators are pooling resources to make a huge difference in how AI is perceived and regulated. The initiative’s operational structure includes a network of federal and state Super PACs and 501(c)(4) issue advocacy organizations, designed to provide maximum flexibility for engagement throughout the crucial 2026 election cycle and beyond.
Strategic Political Engagement and Policy Advocacy
Leading the Future is being spearheaded by seasoned political strategists Zac Moffatt, founder and CEO of Targeted Victory, and Josh Vlasto, partner at Bamberger & Vlasto. Moffatt brings over two decades of experience in digital and political strategy, having worked with numerous campaigns and organizations. Vlasto offers expertise in high-stakes communications and strategy for sector-leading companies and national political leaders. LTF plans to commence operations in key states such as New York, California, Illinois, and Ohio, launching targeted political and policy campaigns to identify and support candidates who champion a forward-looking approach to AI. This groundwork is expected to expand into a national footprint over the coming year. The Super PACs will focus on independent expenditures to support candidates favorable to the pro-AI agenda, while the 501(c)(4) organizations will handle proactive policy development, legislative scorecards, grassroots engagement, and rapid response campaigns to counter misinformation. This news is particularly relevant as AI continues to be a trending topic in policy discussions.
Navigating the Global AI Landscape
AI is rapidly transforming the global economy, with hundreds of billions of dollars invested annually in AI-related infrastructure. The launch of Leading the Future occurs against a backdrop of intense international competition, particularly with China’s significant advancements in AI. The initiative’s agenda aligns with the current administration’s broader goals, such as the “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” which also prioritizes U.S. AI leadership, economic growth, and national security through innovation and infrastructure development. This proactive stance by the AI industry underscores the perceived need to actively shape policy to ensure American competitiveness. The people involved are keenly aware that AI is not just about technology but about economic prosperity and global standing, making it a field of immense interest and strategic importance.
Shaping the Future of AI Innovation
With its substantial funding and strategic leadership, Leading the Future is poised to become a major force in advocating for an AI-friendly policy environment in the United States. By mobilizing resources and political capital, the initiative aims to ensure that innovation wins, positioning the U.S. to capitalize on AI’s potential for economic growth, enhanced national security, and continued technological advancement. This is an ongoing story about people making a huge difference in their field, and Leading the Future represents a critical chapter in that narrative.
