Our 2026 predictions are in. From IPOs to AI to robots - check out what we think is actually coming in 2026.
To wrap up 2025, I regroup with Mike and Phuong for our annual end-of-year episode, where we look back at last year's predictions (they passed with flying colors) and set our sights on what’s ahead.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the topics covered:
✅ AI’s real impact on blue and white collar jobs.
📈 The slow thaw of the IPO market.
💸 The maturing of venture capital into a robust capital market ecosystem.
🤖 Why humanoid robots might finally enter the chat.
🚀 How seed-stage startups have fundamentally changed - and what will make or break them next year.
If you're a founder, investor, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this one’s packed with insight.
🎧 Listen & let us know what YOU think is coming in 2026? Drop your predictions in the comments. 👇
⏱ Chapter Markers
00:00 – Intro: 2025 Recap & Predictions for 2026
01:00 – Michael’s 2025 Prediction Scorecard: AI, Jobs & Valuations
06:30 – IPO Market Outlook & The Tale of Two Venture Markets
12:00 – AI Foundational Models vs. Application Layer
16:45 – 2026 Exit Landscape & The Rise of Secondaries
21:00 – Will Big Tech Pull Back from the Application Layer?
25:00 – AI Enterprise Adoption & Salesforce’s Big Bet
28:00 – The Robotics Curve: Consumer vs. Construction Use Cases
33:00 – Phuong’s 2025 Prediction Debrief: Tariffs & CX
38:00 – AI at Home? Why Consumers Aren’t Adopting (Yet)
41:00 – How Seed-Stage Startups Have Changed in 2025
46:00 – Labor Mismatch & The Talent Problem in AI Startups
49:00 – Who Wins in 2026: Full Workflow Automation
52:00 – Who Loses: Commoditized Content, Support & Legal Tools
55:00 – The Real Risk: Obsolescence & Distribution Moats
57:00 – Wrap Up & 2026 Outlook
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