How do you build a moat in consumer AI today? You don’t. Whoever builds first, iterates fastest, and distributes best wins. Here’s a metaphor I’ve been using:. Launching a consumer AI company is like ejecting a pigeon into the sky and willing it to fly. (Stick with me.)👇

RT @amiyoshimura_: hosting a consumer founder x creator happy hour with @a16z next week in nyc at @vercinyc. 💌comment or dm me if you're ar….

not everything should follow instructions. @neilparikh and @danielreidcahn are building something different.

Life is not linear and can be a bumpy road. Therapy is one of the most important tools that I rely on during the hard times, and when I understood what @danielreidcn and @neilparikh were building @slingshotai_inc, it became so important that we at @a16z back their mission. Day 1.

RT @neilparikh: They said it couldn't be done. They said it *shouldn't* be done. We tried anyways. Today we're launching Ash, the first A….

RT @illscience: For years, we assumed consumers wouldn’t pay for software. Now people are happily paying $200+/mo for products like Claude….

(3/3) But the real unlock here isn’t just the tech—it’s the tone. Products that feel warm and social will outperform ones that are just smart. That’s what builds stickiness. Don’t just ship utility, ship vibes ✌️ @raizamrtn.

(2/3) Instead of tapping menus, I hit ➕ and say: “Future of AI music.” It generates a full segment with voice, visuals, and context just for me. Letting users express intent simply, and then instantly returning a rich, packaged result is a high leverage UX pattern.

(1/3) It starts with music. Then two hosts greet me—by name, and with the time of day. Simple, not flashy. But it feels like stepping into a room, not launching an app. Small things:.- Two voices = conversational.- Time awareness.- Friendly tone.- No commands, just flow.

I've worked in consumer tech for years and have always been drawn to the small stuff - product touches that feel joyful, thoughtful, or just really fun. Sharing more of the tiny things that delight me as a user, and might just drive retention too. Next up: @getHuxe 🧵

3. AI Companions + Human-Like Interactions. Sending a selfie and getting a vibe-y response from your alien companion? Feels like texting a friend. These emotionally intelligent interactions are where AI companions get sticky.

2. Emotional Design: Joy + Delight. Retention isn't just about utility - sometimes it's about joy. The combo of haptics, visuals, and light narrative in Tolan makes the whole experience feel playful and personal. Fun > friction.

1. World building as a Retention Mechanism. World building as a latent retention mechanic is such an underrated design choice. Tolan nails this—your little alien world evolves and keeps pulling you back. Not via streaks or push alerts, but through emotional investment.

As someone who’s worked in consumer tech for years, I’ve always been drawn to the small stuff - the product touches that feel joyful, thoughtful, or just really fun. Going to start sharing more of the tiny things that delight me as a user—and might just drive retention too.

Wish I wrote this and hit post.

Fun convo with @MollySOShea on the future of Consumer AI - why showing up matters, and why momentum matters more than ever. Appreciate you having me on, bro. Full episode below ↓.

RT @MollySOShea: BREAKING: Bryan Kim, Partner at a16z, reveals why he invested $15M into @im_roy_lee & Cluely. With prolific investments in….

RT @davidu: Smooooooth like butta.

Thanks, bro 🫡.

RT @MollySOShea: Thinking is dead. Cluely is taking over the world. Live-streaming in NYC right now w/ Cluely’s lead investor @kirbyman01….

Beginning of the @cluely product story arc 🔥.