Best AI Startup Podcasts in 2026
The best podcasts for AI startup founders, investors, and operators. Stay ahead of the AI curve with these shows.
Building an AI startup is hard. Staying informed shouldn't be. Here's the curated list of podcasts that help AI founders and investors stay ahead.
The Short List
| Podcast | Focus | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| a16z Podcast | AI + startups + strategy | 2-3x/week | Investors, founders |
| This Week in Startups | General startups + AI | Daily | Broad coverage |
| No Priors | AI + technology | Weekly | Deep technical |
| Y Combinator Podcast | Startup advice + AI | Weekly | Early-stage founders |
| Acquired | Company deep dives | Monthly | Strategic thinking |
Deep Dives
a16z Podcast
Andreessen Horowitz's podcast is essential for any AI startup founder. They see thousands of pitches — their take on what's working is invaluable.
Must-listen episodes:
- "The State of AI in 2026"
- "Building AI Infrastructure"
- "AI Products That Work"
Why it matters: a16z has skin in the game. They invest billions in AI. Their podcast is a window into what the best investors think is coming next.
No Priors
Sarah Guo and Elad Gil (former Google exec, startup advisor) host this show. It's technical without being academic.
Key episodes:
- "The Future of Foundation Models"
- "Building in Public: AI Edition"
- "Vertical AI: The Next Wave"
Perfect for: Technical founders who want to understand the landscape.
This Week in Startups
Jason Calacanis covers everything startup-related, with heavy AI coverage lately. Good for staying current on funding rounds and trends.
Listen for: AI funding news, emerging AI tools, founder stories.
Y Combinator Podcast
Straight from the source. YC companies are building the future. This podcast shares their lessons.
Episodes to catch:
- "What YC Looked For in 2026"
- "AI Startup Lessons"
- "How to Pitch AI Companies"
How Founders Should Listen
Pre-seed / Seed
- Y Combinator Podcast (primary)
- This Week in Startups
Series A+
- a16z Podcast (primary)
- No Priors
- Acquired
Investors
- a16z Podcast (primary)
- No Priors
- Acquired
The Pattern
The best AI startup podcasts share one trait: they bring on people who actually build things.
Not investors talking about ideas. Not analysts talking about trends. Builders talking about what works.
That's what these shows deliver.
Updated quarterly as the landscape evolves.