What’s Next for Consumer AI? | Josh Elman Joins a16z

2026-06-23 · Source: The a16z Show · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Project & Product Management · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Anish Acharya sits down with Josh Elman to discuss the future of consumer technology and Elman's decision to join a16z. Drawing on his experience with companies like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Robinhood, Discord, Musical.ly, TikTok, and Apple, Elman reflects on technology's evolution into a central force. The conversation explores consumer AI, product design, distribution, social networks, and creator ecosystems. They discuss how AI could foster an entirely new generation of consumer products, changing discovery and distribution, and what founders can learn from previous platform shifts. Elman also shares views on retention, network effects, product-market fit, and underexplored opportunities.

Key takeaway

For AI Product Managers building new consumer experiences, recognize that AI presents a significant opportunity to redefine product categories and distribution models. Study past platform shifts to anticipate market changes and prioritize strong network effects and user retention from the outset. Actively seek underexplored areas in consumer technology to establish product-market fit.

Key insights

Consumer AI is poised to drive a new generation of products, reshaping discovery and distribution based on lessons from past platform shifts.

Principles

• Technology evolved from niche to central.
• AI can foster new consumer products.
• Past platform shifts offer founder lessons.

In practice

• Focus on retention and network effects.
• Understand product-market fit dynamics.
• Explore underexplored consumer tech areas.

Topics

• Consumer AI
• Product Design
• Distribution Strategies
• Platform Shifts
• Network Effects
• Creator Economy

Best for: Entrepreneur, AI Product Manager, Investor

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The a16z Show.