VCs say tiny teams, personal agents, and a shift from vibes to payback are the tech trends to watch in 2026 (www.businessinsider.com)

In a recent survey conducted by Business Insider, venture capitalists from 18 firms highlighted emerging tech trends for 2026, predicting an influx of acquisitions, smaller teams, and a necessary focus on ROI for AI investments. As enterprises reassess their AI spending against tangible returns, investors warn that companies failing to demonstrate value may struggle with renewals and fundraising, marking 2026 as a pivotal year for profitability in AI. The concept of AI agents will evolve significantly, transitioning from mere tools to roles akin to junior employees, able to execute tasks autonomously and impact business outcomes directly. Moreover, with the shift from text-based models to voice and multimodal AI systems, companies are expected to integrate these technologies into customer service and operations, unlocking innovative business models. The predictions underscore a strong need for founders with deep technical skills and adaptability, as younger entrepreneurs gain prominence in this rapidly evolving landscape. As the market faces a correction on inflated valuations, the dynamics of startup creation will also shift, fueled by generative AI tools that democratize product development, potentially leading to unprecedented rates of startup formation.