VC predicts the consumer AI products OpenAI ‘won’t want to kill’

Vanessa Larco, a partner at Premise and former NEA investor, believes that 2026 may mark a significant turning point for consumer AI. With years of experience in investing in consumer and prosumer markets, Larco anticipates a transformation in how individuals engage online, with AI facilitating services akin to a personal concierge. A pressing question arises: will established consumer products such as WebMD and TripAdvisor remain as independent applications, or will they become integrated features within platforms like ChatGPT or Meta AI? Furthermore, this shift presents a unique opportunity for startups to establish their own AI-driven niches. In a recent episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Larco discussed the resurgence of consumer-focused technologies, the aspects of AI that OpenAI is unlikely to eliminate, and where promising opportunities for innovation can be found. To dive deeper into these insights, listeners are encouraged to tune in to the episode available on platforms like YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Spotify. Additionally, updates and discussions can be followed on X and Threads at @EquityPod.