Build Mode 2026 predictions from LP-lead investments to IPO mania: Equity crossover
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Jan 1, 2026 Rebecca Bellan, Senior AI Reporter at TechCrunch, joins a lively discussion on the future of AI and tech investments. She highlights that world models are set to transform AI by being more aware of their environments than current models. The conversation dives into the challenges AI startups face with funding, pushing many towards alternative sources. Predictions for 2026 include potential IPOs for major firms and a backlash in Hollywood against AI-generated content. Prepare for a rollercoaster of insights and bold forecasts about the tech landscape!
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Mega Rounds Signal Bubble-Like Market
- Massive AI mega-rounds in 2025 defied expectations and suggest bubble-like tendencies in the market.
- The financing surge hasn't yet popped but raises questions about how irrational current valuations are.
Pursue Alternative Funding Early
- Founders should seek alternative capital like equity crowdfunding and creator-driven funding when VCs demand sky-high traction.
- Build scrappy and explore creative, founder-friendly funding structures to survive early-stage capital constraints.
World Models Are The Next AI Step
- World models are emerging as the next evolution in AI that build physics-aware environments and predict outcomes.
- Founders and labs view world models as a stepping stone toward more embodied intelligence beyond LLMs.