The short version

Ben Thompson predicted on February 12, 2026: “A simplistic view you could have is that the AI apps are the new aggregators and so a huge amount of economic value will accrue to them and that’s it. I feel like a bunch of new very big successful companies will be created in AI-powered e-commerce. It just feels like a different…

Prediction by

Ben Thompson

On February 12, 2026

“A simplistic view you could have is that the AI apps are the new aggregators and so a huge amount of economic value will accrue to them and that’s it. I feel like a bunch of new very big successful companies will be created in AI-powered e-commerce. It just feels like a different enough product space. So there might be a big return to self-serve, or maybe they’ll just roll their own because their needs aren’t that large.”

Follow-up

Directionally consistent with observable trends in AI-native applications, AI-powered e-commerce tools, and increased self-serve models. However, the prediction lacks a specific timeline, and the 'bunch of new very big successful companies' is still an evolving trend rather than a fully resolved outcome by mid-2026.

From the High Caliber AI network — see the AI for PR module in the course.