The web is unhealthy, and AI agents are about to rewrite how we shop.
In this episode, a16z General Partner Alex Rampell and Partner Justine Moore explore how AI agents will change commerce and the implications for Google’s business model, affiliate marketing, online shopping, and more.
Timecodes:
0:00 Introduction
0:12 The Role of AI Agents in Commerce
1:28 Affiliate Marketing & Impulse Buys
4:02 Observing Consumer Behavior & AI
6:08 Dynamic Pricing & E-commerce Trends
7:20 Online vs. Offline Shopping Behaviors
10:09 The Challenge of Attribution in Commerce
12:19 Aggregators, Brands, and Business Models
15:24 Trend Cycles & Single SKU Retailers
17:49 Google, Search, and the Freemium Model
22:41 The Unhealthy Web & Commercialization
26:04 Video Reviews & Trust in Commerce
29:10 The Costco Model & Consumer Trust
33:15 AI’s Impact on Different Types of Purchases
39:56 The Future: Specialized Shopping Agents
40:16 Opportunities for New Durable Companies
44:18 The Merchant Side: Infrastructure for AI Agents
Resources:
Read the article: http://a16z.com/ai-x-commerce/
Find Alex on X: https://x.com/arampell
Find Justine on X: https://x.com/venturetwins
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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.
Stay Updated:
Find a16z on X
Find a16z on LinkedIn
Listen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify
Listen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts
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.
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