Benchmark's Sarah Tavel: Next Wave of Consumer AI Needs Social DNA
every · x · 2026-08-06
In a podcast interview, Benchmark partner Sarah Tavel argued that the biggest weakness of current AI apps like ChatGPT's Custom GPTs is their lack of a "social DNA." She believes the next wave of consumer AI will successfully integrate social elements into their core design.
She also shared key insights on startups and venture capital:
- Hunting for 'afflicted' founders: Tavel prefers backing founders who treat building a company as a calling or an itch they just have to scratch, rather than a mere career move.
- The best board meetings are 'donut meetings': The strongest founders anticipate and solve problems before meetings. If an investor is bringing new ideas to a 30-minute check-in, it's a red flag.
- AI transforming VC: AI will fundamentally change how top venture capitalists evaluate deals and conduct due diligence.
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