Podbit · The a16z Show
Pre-reasoning, a frontier AI model without unique data and internet-scale distribution was the fastest depreciating asset in history. Reasoning changed that: RL post-training means a large user base now unlocks the same data flywheel that powered Google and Facebook — and Baker says you can already squint and see it starting to spin.
Where this was said
At 20:30 · chapter starts 19:45
The conversation pivots to how consumer internet business models will be reshaped by AI. Google's original model — capturing search intent and directing users to third-party sites — is already being disrupted, though Baker notes even today's AI browsers still have rough edges. He then issues a sharp warning to AI-native companies launching browsers: Chrome has roughly 5 billion users, and Google has been deliberately restraining itself due to ongoing antitrust litigation. The implication is stark — Google has been letting OpenAI and Anthropic take first-mover risk in the browser space, accumulating learnings from a safe distance, before likely entering with a superior product and overwhelming distribution. It's a pattern worth fearing.
AI companies launching browsers may come to regret it. Chrome has 5 billion users, and Google — restrained by antitrust litigation — has been deliberately letting competitors run first. Baker's warning: Google can do this better, and they've been watching and waiting.
With AI coding tools like Cursor, Bhanu replicates an existing free tool for a new keyword in under 5 minutes. What used to be a multi-day build is now a lunch-break task.
Ahrefs, SiteGPT, Cal.com, PostHog, Datafast, Sibyl AI, Bento, Feather, Featurepace, Mintlify, Cloud Code, ChartMogul — Bhanu runs his entire business solo with these 12 tools.
PropGPT runs on React Native with TypeScript and Python for ML, Neon for the database, RevenueCat and Superwall for monetization. LLM costs are $20/month, data APIs $100/month, and after $10K in monthly marketing spend, margins sit at roughly 50%.
Game apps keep users engaged long enough for ads to pay off. Tool apps don't — so if you're building a utility, ads are almost always the wrong call and subscriptions are your only real lever.
Inside SEO Bot, a single button labelled 'Boost My Domain Rating' routes users directly to Listing Bot. That one interaction converts a user of one tool into a user of two — without any marketing cost.
Directory listings are a powerful but underrated growth channel — but only if your product is genuinely interesting enough to earn the click. AI products have a natural advantage here because they're easy to package in a compelling, clickable way.
The fastest path to Twitter growth isn't volume — it's forming sharp opinions about how the platform works and sharing them immediately. People cluster around those who understand the rules and say so out loud.
Sam had no coding knowledge, so he used ChatGPT voice mode to generate his entire codebase and copy-pasted it into Notepad. A friend later introduced him to Cursor, and he never looked back.
Copy days of Discord chat history, paste it into ChatGPT, and ask it to list recurring pain points. The ones that come up most often are your best product bets.
We use essential and analytics cookies to run Vuci. To understand how the site is used: Privacy Policy.
Install Vuci on your phone
Add it to your home screen for a faster, app-like experience.
Install Vuci on your phone
Tap the Share button, then “Add to Home Screen”.
A new version is available
Reload to get the latest Vuci.