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: 0:00 Introduction 0:33 The Power of Networks & Network Effects 2:08 Composability and Open Source Growth 5:35 The Rise of Consumer Tools & Networks 6:50 Advice for Founders 10:08 Brand, Pricing, and Defensibility in Tech 14:58 Movements, Niche Communities, and Investing 19:57 The Impact of Timing of Networks 21:02 What are the Second Order Implications? 24:06 The Emergence of 'Narrow Startups' and Platform Shifts 30:55 Native vs. Skeuomorphic Technologies 34:20 New Art Media and Prompt Engineering 36:54 Open-Source AI & The Future of Technology Resources: Find Chris on X: https://x.com/cdixon Find Anish on X: https://x.com/illscience Read Chris' Come for the Tools, Stay for the Network': https://cdixon.org/2015/01/31/come-for-the-tool-stay-for-the-network Stay Updated: Find a16z on X: https://X.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Find us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYX?si=3E8B3qT9TyiwAHJ7JnaKbg Find us on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711 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.