NFX

When we first published James Currier's essay on consumer tech, the response from our network was incredible. Our new video essay dives deeper. We're breaking down the past, present, and future of consumer with more context, more clarity, and more actionable takeaways:

Businesses want AI agents — but many need help onboarding them into the workforce. A key to unlocking mass adoption: building 3 critical layers of the AI agent stack. Anna Pi?ol breaks it down: https://lnkd.in/ePMzwsqE

AI founders: Building an impressive product isn’t enough. The companies that win will?reimagine their business models—layering revenue streams, increasing retention, and compounding value. Too many AI startups are focused on growth over business fundamentals. The best ones ask: - How can I stack models to drive long-term revenue? - How do I turn adoption into retention? - What layers create defensibility over time? Pete Flint?breaks down his essay "Stackable Business Models in the Age of AI" on video #AIStartups #BusinessModels #VentureCapital #StartupGrowth

There are now 32,000+ active VCs, up from just 150 thirty years ago. More competition, more capital, and better terms for founders. In our latest NFX Video Essay, we break down "Venture Capital 3.0"—where the industry is headed and what it means for you:

AI agents are creating a new kind of labor market. Its next evolution: a new wave of marketplaces will change how businesses ‘hire’ AI. Gigi Levy-Weiss on why AI agent marketplaces will be a dominant force: https://lnkd.in/eKyF62k8

The VC ecosystem is changing. AI, mega-funds, more "surface area" for investing...the implications are huge for founders. It's mostly good news, but you have to see the whole picture. Welcome to "Venture Capital 3.0" by James Currier https://lnkd.in/e8Mcd6ud

NFX has followed the AI agent economy from the start. Today, Partner Sarai Bronfeld discusses long term strategy + insight from Israel: "The brain isn't enough anymore, you need action. Once AI can act independently, we are never going back." https://lnkd.in/d-5fDT9E

Consumer is back. It was gone, and no one wanted to admit it. But the window is open again, and we're all in on it. James Currier reveals the truth about the last ~10 years of consumer and what it takes to thrive today: https://lnkd.in/eEC9cD69

We’ve seen how timing defines the success of a startup. James Currier explains “technology windows”—those rare moments when new technologies open massive opportunities. From railroads to SaaS to AI, these windows shape industries. Right now AI is in its most explosive phase, but the window won't be open forever. Learn how to recognize open windows and position yourself to win. Read the full essay: https://lnkd.in/dTTbB_tz

In the AI, era startups have to be thinking about defensibility on day 1. An often overlooked opportunity: your business model. Pete Flint on building a business strategy that captures initial mindshare + increases defensibility over time: https://lnkd.in/e_Rj6QVX