Equity Previews 2026: AI, IPOs, and VC Shifts
AI
Tech Predictions
VC Funding
Startups
Artificial Intelligence
IPO
TechCrunch
Equity Podcast
8
Strategic Foresight
Media Hype
7/10
Real Impact
8/10
What is the Viqus Verdict?
We evaluate each news story based on its real impact versus its media hype to offer a clear and objective perspective.
AI Analysis:
While the predictions are based on extrapolations and industry trends, the focus on critical changes – AI agent evolution, Hollywood's resistance, and VC instability – holds significant real-world impact. The hype score reflects current media attention, but the substance of the predictions warrants serious professional consideration.
Article Summary
TechCrunch’s Equity podcast anticipates key developments for 2026, focusing on the evolving role of AI. The podcast highlights a potential resurgence of AI agents, despite 2025’s underperformance, anticipating a shift towards ‘world models’ in AI. It also predicts a pushback from Hollywood against AI-generated content and a significant liquidity crisis facing Venture Capital firms. Key predictions include the possibility of OpenAI and Anthropic going public, a return to simpler tech like dumb phones, and the widespread adoption of the term ‘AI native.’ The discussion centers around alternative funding sources for startups and regulatory chaos surrounding AI policy, anticipating a role for Trump’s executive orders. The podcast underscores the importance of startup acceleration programs and highlights ongoing innovation within the startup ecosystem.Key Points
- AI agents are expected to become more viable in 2026, moving beyond the hype of 2025.
- Hollywood is anticipated to resist AI-generated content, potentially leading to a battle between creative industries and AI.
- The venture capital sector faces a significant liquidity crisis, necessitating alternative funding models.