tech
January 8, 2026
Where VCs think AI startups can win, even with OpenAI in the game
Vanessa Larco, partner at Premise and former partner at NEA, thinks 2026 will finally be the year of consumer AI. Larco, who’s been investing in consumer and prosumer for years, thinks we’re about to see a shift in how consumers spend time online, with AI powering “concierge-like” services. The question is, will legacy consumer products […]

TL;DR
- Consumer AI is anticipated to become prominent in 2026.
- AI is expected to power 'concierge-like' services for consumers.
- There is uncertainty about the future of legacy consumer products like WebMD and TripAdvisor.
- These established platforms may be integrated into larger AI systems such as ChatGPT or Meta AI.
- Opportunities for AI-powered startups are being explored.
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