Hot Takes!!! 2026 Business Forecast: AI Layoffs, VC Changes & Must-Attend Conferences for Founders | Rich Takes

Subscribe to Rich Lessons on Substack for Exclusive Business Insights and Resources. richlessons.substack.com Welcome to 2026, where AI is reshaping the workforce and VCs are changing the fundraising game. In this episode of Rich Takes, Sheena and Sevetri break down the biggest business trends impacting entrepreneurs right now, from widespread layoffs across industries to shifts in VC funding for startups (and beyond) to the must-attend tech conferences for maximum ROI.

We’re diving deep into the headlines shaping our world and our wallets, including: The 2026 Funding Reality: Why venture capitalists are prioritizing profitability and revenue over growth-at-all-costs. AI vs.

The Workforce: How artificial intelligence is impacting jobs from Fortune 1000 companies (Saks, Washington Post, Universal) to small businesses—and what it means for founders Conference Strategy: How to get a real return on investment at events like South by Southwest (SXSW), AfroTech, and Tech Week. GovTech & Pop Culture: The impact of shrinking government and why Y Combinator is prioritizing AI for government , plus why cultural icons are speaking out on current headlines.

Topics Covered: startup fundraising, venture capital trends, pre-seed funding, seed rounds, AI impact on jobs, business conferences 2026, entrepreneur networking, alternative funding, GovTech, unicorn companies, revenue expectations Subscribe to Rich Lessons on Substack for exclusive conference guides, funding pathways, and insider tips from two founders who’ve been in tech for 15+ years. Rich Takes: Our weekly Thursday segment delivering unfiltered hot takes on the biggest headlines shaping culture, business, and your wallet in 15 minutes or less.

Fast, sharp, and straight to the point.