Why do some consumer products explode into networks that reshape the internet, while others fade away? Today on the podcast, a16z general partners Anish Acharya and Chris Dixon take on that question. Anish invests in AI-native consumer products and the next wave of consumer tech. Chris is best known for his work in Web3 and network economies, and he’s also led some of a16z’s biggest consumer bets. Together, they cover the history and power of consumer networks, the exponential forces that shape how they grow, and what it all means for founders building in the age of AI.
Why do some consumer products explode into networks that reshape the internet, while others fade away?
Today on the podcast, a16z general partners Anish Acharya and Chris Dixon take on that question. Anish invests in AI-native consumer products and the next wave of consumer tech. Chris is best known for his work in Web3 and network economies, and he’s also led some of a16z’s biggest consumer bets.
Together, they cover the history and power of consumer networks, the exponential forces that shape how they grow, and what it all means for founders building in the age of AI.
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
00:43 The Power of Networks in Tech
02:19 Moore’s Law, Composability, and Network Effects
06:39 Building Networks: Tools vs. Networks
10:49 Brand, Pricing, and Consumer Software Trends
14:33 Movements, Communities, and Niche Markets
20:02 Decentralization, AI, and the Open Web
24:45 Platform Shifts and the Idea Maze
29:55 Native vs. Skeuomorphic Technologies
36:14 Open Source, Policy, and the Future of AI
42:03 Closing Thoughts & Outro
Resources:
Find Chris on X: https://x.com/cdixon
Find Anish on X: https://x.com/illscience
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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.