These are the Big Tech themes to watch in 2026, according to Slow Ventures' Lessin

Summary

CNBC's The Exchange discusses 2026 tech themes with Sam Lessin of Slow Ventures. The segment focuses on whether the AI narrative can keep growing or will weaken as data points emerge. Lessin argues AI is disruptive but profitability and margin pools remain uncertain, especially as enterprise AI spending shifts from experiments to core budgets. The host also highlights AI-driven demand for memory and compute as a key market driver.

• CES 2026 shows AI spreading across robotics, vehicles, wearables, and health care.
• Sam Lessin says AI remains a narrative-heavy, asymmetric investment theme.
• 2026 is framed as a test of whether AI data supports or weakens the dream.
• Lessin sees AI tools as essential for startups but questions where money is made.
• Enterprise AI spending may transition from experimental to core budgets.
• Host points to memory and compute demand as central to the AI trade.
• Wall Street incentives and consumer excitement support the AI narrative.
• No specific public-company trades or tickers were named.