tech
December 16, 2025
VCs discuss why most consumer AI startups still lack staying power
The next consumer tech revolution may require an introduction of a new personal device.
TL;DR
- Most AI startups are still selling to businesses, not individual consumers.
- Specialized consumer GenAI applications have not yet resonated widely.
- The current state of consumer AI is compared to the early mobile era (2009-2010), awaiting platform stabilization.
- A new personal device beyond the smartphone might be necessary for the next wave of consumer AI products.
- Smartphones may be too limiting for ambient AI use cases.
- Companies like OpenAI and Apple are reportedly working on new personal devices.
- Some consumer AI offerings, like personalized financial advisors or tutors, might still succeed on smartphones.
- There is skepticism about AI-powered social network startups where bots interact with user content, potentially diminishing the social aspect.
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