Vanessa Larco, a partner at Premise and former NEA associate, predicts that 2026 will mark a significant transformation in consumer artificial intelligence (AI) products. In her view, the coming years will redefine how individuals interact online, propelled by AI-driven “concierge-like” services tailored to enhance user experience.
A key question arises regarding the future of traditional consumer applications such as WebMD and TripAdvisor: Will they remain independent entities, or are they destined to merge with AI platforms like ChatGPT and Meta AI? Furthermore, Larco explores opportunities for startups to establish their presence in the evolving AI landscape.
In a recent podcast episode, Larco elaborates on several topics, including:
– Her belief that OpenAI will avoid creating marketplace businesses that depend on managing human interactions.
– Insights into “disposable software” and the notion that AI applications should be regarded with the same transience as a typical Word document.
– An endorsement of voice interfaces, fueled by her experience with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, leading her to conclude that screens may soon be unnecessary for many tasks.
– Additional predictions for 2026, highlighting a potentially explosive year for mergers and acquisitions.
– The transformative potential of stablecoins and the business models they could foster.
For more insights, listeners can tune into the full conversation on platforms like YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Spotify, and stay updated by following @EquityPod on X and Threads.
