Equity

Vanessa Larco, a venture investor at Premise, shares her insights on the booming consumer AI market in 2026. She predicts a shift towards AI-powered services that may replace traditional apps like WebMD. Larco discusses how OpenAI won't dominate human-centric businesses and believes in the rise of 'disposable' software. She highlights her belief in voice interfaces thanks to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses and envisions stablecoins unlocking new fintech opportunities. Overall, an exciting glimpse into the future of consumer technology!

Brendan Foody, CEO of Mercor, shares his entrepreneurial journey from dorm-room startup to a pivotal player in AI training. He discusses how Mercor connects top industry experts with AI labs, emphasizing high pay and a referral-driven hiring model. Brendan explores the debate on job displacement versus creation, asserting that automation boosts demand for skilled roles. With an eye on the future, he envisions collaboration between humans and AI, driving unprecedented productivity growth in the workforce.

Teddy Solomon, co-founder and CEO of Fizz, shares insights on his college-focused social app that's changing the game for Gen Z. He discusses how traditional platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become entertainment spaces, creating a void for genuine social connection. Fizz's unique anonymous model taps into the 99% of life that's often overlooked. Solomon also highlights their innovative moderation system using student volunteers and AI, along with their growth strategy beyond campus. Plus, he makes a compelling case for why New York is the new hub for consumer startups.

Isabelle Johansson, Head of the Startup Battlefield program and host of Build Mode, joins the discussion on 2026 tech predictions. The panel explores why AI agents are set to finally shine next year and the implications of a looming regulatory crisis. They dissect the rise of alternative funding sources for startups and the struggles faced by founders in a tightening VC market. Predictions fly regarding potential blockbuster IPOs for major players like OpenAI and Anthropic, alongside playful insights into industry buzzwords and future trends.

Conor McGinn, Co-founder and CEO of Akara, is on a mission to revolutionize operating room efficiency with AI. He reveals how hospitals lose 2-4 hours daily due to disorganized coordination. Conor discusses Akara's transition from robotics to using thermal sensors for sensitive data collection, ensuring privacy while enhancing OR management. He also addresses the impending nursing workforce crisis and why now is the time for automation. Ultimately, Conor highlights the need for hospitals to adopt smarter infrastructure to enable robot technology.

This week saw a shocking wave of bankruptcies from hardware companies like iRobot, Luminar, and Rad Power Bikes. Each faced unique challenges, including tariff pressures and supply chain struggles, reflecting a broader crisis in the hardware industry. Meanwhile, Amazon is reportedly making a massive $10 billion investment in OpenAI, raising questions about the circular economy of AI. Plus, they discuss a significant merger in the online education space with Coursera's acquisition of Udemy, amid growing concerns about AI's impact on content quality.

Jiten Behl, a partner at Eclipse Ventures and former chief growth officer at Rivian, dives into the future of industrial startups. He believes the U.S. is heading towards re-industrialization, propelled by AI-driven automation. Behl discusses the importance of combining optimism with realism in founders. He highlights Rivian's unique ability to spin out successful ventures and argues that vertical integration isn't as essential for startups today. Lastly, he predicts that tangible autonomy will reshape industry and society within the next five years.

A baby born in a Waymo makes headlines and sparks discussions about autonomous vehicles becoming part of everyday life. Netflix aims high with an $82 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, raising questions about market consolidation. Meanwhile, Boom Supersonic finds a novel way to fund jet engine development by selling to data centers. In tech innovation, Hinge's CEO is leaving to create an AI dating app, while a fertility startup explores the use of AI-designed antibodies for home diagnostics.

Mati Staniszewski, Co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs, reveals how the company evolved from two annoyed engineers into a $6.6 billion AI powerhouse. He shares bold predictions about voice models becoming commoditized and discusses ElevenLabs' pivot towards conversational AI and music generation. Mati tackles challenges like AI deepfakes with innovative solutions and emphasizes the enduring value of human-created content. He envisions a future where AI democratizes creativity, enabling more creators to thrive in the audio landscape.

AWS is launching AI tools, but can it truly compete in a market dominated by leaders? Hollywood is setting boundaries on AI's role in filmmaking while grappling with potential regulations. There's a buzz around Nothing's $5 million funding that's raising questions about genuine community engagement. Autolane's innovative funding aims to create a control system for robotaxis. Meanwhile, Spotify's viral Wrapped feature sparks a competition with others seeking their own versions of this fan-favorite annual recap.