tech
January 8, 2026
VC predicts the consumer AI products OpenAI ‘won’t want to kill’
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
- 2026 is predicted to be the year of consumer AI, with AI powering "concierge-like" services.
- Legacy consumer products may be absorbed into larger AI platforms like ChatGPT or Meta AI.
- Opportunities exist for startups to carve out AI-powered niches.
- OpenAI is not expected to build marketplace businesses requiring human management.
- AI applications should be considered akin to "disposable software" like Word docs.
- Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses have demonstrated the potential of voice interfaces, suggesting screens may be optional for many tasks.
- 2026 is also predicted to be a significant year for M&A.
- Stablecoins could unlock new business models.
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