Venture capitalists believe that AI startups can win, even with OpenAI in the game

Vanessa Larcopartner in hypothesis The former NEA partner believes 2026 will finally be the year of consumer AI.

Larco, who has invested in consumers and consumers for many years, believes we are about to see a shift in the way consumers spend time online, with artificial intelligence powering “concierge-like” services. The question is, will legacy consumer products like WebMD and TripAdvisor continue to exist as standalone applications, or will they be absorbed into ChatGPT or Meta AI? Where can startups create a niche based on AI?

Watch as TechCrunch’s Rebecca Bellan sat down with Larco justice To talk about why consumers will come back, what OpenAI won’t kill, and where the real opportunities hide.

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