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

June 24, 2026

1:10

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

Ever wonder what’s next for consumer AI? Well, Josh Elman, sharing insights with Anish Acharya on the a16z podcast, suggests we're on the brink of a whole new wave of everyday products driven by AI. Elman points out that over the past two decades, tech has gone from niche to essential — think Facebook, TikTok, even Robinhood. Now, he believes AI isn't just making things smarter; it’s unlocking entirely new kinds of consumer experiences. According to Elman, the key will be how discovery and distribution evolve — getting the right product in front of the right people, faster than ever. He also highlights that understanding network effects and retention will be crucial for founders who want to stay ahead. As Anish Acharya notes, many opportunities remain underexplored, especially in creator ecosystems and social networks. So, what does this mean for you? The real game-changer isn’t just smarter AI — it’s how quickly companies can adapt to this shift, or risk falling behind. The question now: who’ll seize this moment first?

Anish Acharya sits down with Josh Elman to discuss the future of consumer technology and Josh's decision to join a16z.

Over the past two decades, Elman has helped shape some of the most important consumer technology products and companies, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Robinhood, Discord, Musical.ly, TikTok, and Apple. Drawing on those experiences, he reflects on how technology has evolved from a niche industry into a central force in everyday life.

The conversation explores consumer AI, product design, distribution, social networks, creator ecosystems, and the changing relationship between technology and human behavior. They discuss why AI may unlock an entirely new generation of consumer products, how discovery and distribution are changing, and what founders can learn from previous platform shifts.

Along the way, Elman shares his views on retention, network effects, product-market fit, and the opportunities he believes remain underexplored in consumer technology.

Resources:

Follow Josh Elman on X: https://x.com/joshelman

Follow Anish Acharya on X: https://x.com/illscience

Stay Updated:

Find a16z on YouTube: YouTube

Find a16z on X

Find a16z on LinkedIn

Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify

Listen to the a16z Show on Apple Podcasts

Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg

Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Audio Transcript