a16z Show How AI Created the Fastest Product Cycle in History
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Dec 4, 2025 
Anish Acharya, a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz with expertise in consumer tech and AI, joins Ollie Forsyth to discuss the resurgence of consumer tech fueled by AI. They explore the rapid product cycles driven by AI advancements and the importance of founder psychology in navigating current challenges. Anish emphasizes the significance of emerging distribution channels and how AI markets are evolving into expansive industries. He also shares insights on fundraising strategies and the exciting future of AI-native social networks.
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Founders As Long-Term CEOs
- Andreessen Horowitz's core thesis is that founders make the best long-term CEOs and should be supported to stay in charge.
- The firm structures specialist teams around founders to supply deep knowledge and networks at scale.
AI's Rapid, Emergent Product Cycle
- The current AI product cycle is the fastest ever because models show emergent capabilities and no single central API defines innovation.
- This biology-like discovery process lets many more builders explore unexpected uses and features.
Ignore Timing Anxiety, Focus On First Principles
- Avoid the psychological traps of thinking "I'm too late" or "nobody funds startups now" when building.
- Turn down noise, focus on first principles, and exploit AI-driven organic consumer demand.
