2026 Startup Predictions

Hope you are enjoying this start to the new year. You may be the person who jumps into things on Jan 1, or join the club on Monday.

Or, maybe you are like me, and have started your goal setting… but still  are searching for your word of the year. (Do share yours if you have one!)

In the midst of this new start, I wanted to take a moment of what I think worked in the startup ecosystem, what didn’t, and what trends I am looking forward to in 2026.

Like any good goal setting exercise, you have to look backward before looking forward. (Take a look at this article on the questions to ask yourself before 2026 as a case and point!) So, let’s walk through what worked last year, and some speculations for the upcoming 360ish days ahead!

What Worked in 2025:

Lower barriers to entry for tech

In this no code boom, I have loved seeing it open doors for nontraditional tech founders. For inspo, take a look at this founder panel from Boston where these female founders leveraged no code for their ventures. Though I hate the buzzword, it has democratized access to turning ideas into innovation. Have a look at some of my favorites here. 

Prioritizing validation earlier (and often)

Though the market has been rougher than years past, it has prompted higher expectations from founders in terms of their validation. This pressure is stemming from not only investors, but also customers and partners. Thus, we have had to raise the bar to meet their expectations, rather than having the mentality of ‘building it and they will come.’ Let’s keep up with this methodology in ‘26.

What to leave in 2025

Boring design and overused visuals/materials

Because of no code and the era of templates (don’t get me wrong, I love a good template!), there has been a lack of originality especially when it comes to certain website designs and socials.

It feels like everyone is using the same color scheme and format, and please I do not want to see another of the same instagram post around ‘the moment’ that changed someone’s life and that they ‘should listen’. Let’s bring back some of that original spark to our websites, socials, and marketing materials.

AI without oversight or education

If you are using AI, you should have oversight on how, when, and where it is used. You need to have a complete picture of the impact it has, not only on your business, but also customer security, environmental impact, and IP ownership. ‘Not knowing’ is not an excuse—if you are building with it, take a moment to do your research.

What I am expecting in 2026

AI is ubiquitous no matter the venture

AI startups are everywhere. I am seeing more and more of them every day. Even if you are building a physical product or service, AI will be–or need to be–incorporated into your business flow.

AI is everywhere and anywhere–from AI agents, backend systems, optimization of CRM or social media, to having whole startup builds based on AI. AI is here to stay in the new year, making us and your ventures more productive and insightful. So if you are not on board, you are already behind the curve.

And, if you are building a SaaS or technical innovation, having AI is not unique, but it is now the status quo. (So, think beyond saying AI-empowered anything.) Now you need to think bigger about what makes your venture special… which leads to my next prediction.

Differentiation will be key

Like mentioned above, AI and certain technical processes are becoming ever more common in venture builds. Now, the bigger question I can see arising this year, is what is your differentiation?

This is the question that will matter. Is it the tech or algorithm itself, the moat you have designed with your customers, is it your unique use case, etc? Getting incredibly, crystal clear on your unique selling proposition and differentiation will be key this year. 

Analog ways of connection are making a comeback

With every action, there is an opposition and equal reaction, right? (Thanks Newton.)

With such a heavy push for AI and deep tech, I am seeing trends that buck the tech-first approach. These include ventures across physical products, communities and network-first startups, and even a push towards IRL spaces like Duolingo pop up stores and print media with companies releasing physical catalogs again. Startups vying for connection could have an increase across the board this year. 

Soft skills are even more critical 

Hard skills used to be the shining stars of the startup resume, but now the tides have shifted. Being able to code is great, but are you able to communicate your venture’s value? How about leading a team or designing a strategy that can scale? Can you have a quality conversation with customers or potential partners? This is not being a ‘salesman’ but it is about rounding out your tool kit of skills as a founder, so it may be time to revisit some books and lessons in this department to make you (not just your venture!) stand out.

2026 brings new adventure and opportunity, so I would love to hear your take!

These are the ones that stuck out to me. What do you think will be the biggest trends of 2026 or flops of 2025? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

A new year also means new challenges and lessons in your own journey. Don’t hesitate to submit your own Question of the Day (QoD)!

Then get interviewed for the new podcast and series!

This year, in the spirit of building in public, I will be launching a series that peel back the curtain of current founders innovating and building amazing things. If you are a student or recent alumni founder, I would love to interview you to hear your journey from student (no matter from undergrad to post doc) to founder.

If this has been useful to you or if you have feedback to improve, please drop me a quick line. Or share with a friend!