Why a VC Believes 2026 Will Celebrate the Return of Consumer Tech
A VC predicts that 2026 will mark a strong comeback for consumer tech, focusing on user needs and quick adoption rates for startups.
She believes that businesses often struggle to adopt new AI solutions. They don’t always know where to start. But for consumers, it’s easier. “People know what they want to use,” Larco says. When a product meets their needs, they buy it and keep using it.
Larco thinks that consumer tech will blossom in today’s economy. She sees signs that it is picking up again. For example, OpenAI launched apps that help users shop or plan trips using their ChatGPT chatbot. This means AI could provide helpful services more easily.
Larco is keeping an eye on startups that can fill gaps in the market. Her worry is how OpenAI could take a cut from any company they help. She wonders if companies like Airbnb will want to work with them.
Moreover, she has noticed that quality news content is becoming harder to find. While scrolling through Instagram, she saw how much AI-generated content was mixed with news. “If I see so much AI content, I want it to be funny,” she said. She feels that platforms need to help users find reliable news instead.
Lastly, Larco thinks that voice technology is getting better. When Meta bought a new AI company, she felt it was a step towards improving their smart glasses. She wants voice assistants to be more useful, so people can get answers without using their screens.
In the end, Larco sees many exciting changes coming in 2026 for consumer tech and the way we interact with AI.