What’s Inside

• When AI helps investors and when it doesn’t

• What founders should ask firms about AI

• How to avoid sounding like you’re pitching a robot

I saw a LinkedIn post last week claiming AI is four times better than top-tier VCs at predicting successful founders.

The post spread quickly because it told a dramatic story: AI is beating humans.

That narrative makes for great clickbait but terrible communications. When founders and investors talk about AI in venture like it’s a fight, they sound lost and confused.

The real story is simpler. AI isn’t replacing VCs. It’s reshaping what parts of the job matter.

Earlier this year, I wrote about TRAC.vc, one of several firms — alongside Arok, InReach Ventures and Moonfire — using algorithmic decision making to deploy capital with minimal human filtering. Whether Marc Andreessen likes it or not, AI can absolutely do parts of the job he romanticizes. At a minimum, it can do them faster.

Humans still matter, of course. Founders don’t sign term sheets because a model spotted them. They sign because someone builds conviction, negotiates terms and supports their hiring. There’s no machine for that.

But AI is already doing certain things better than most humans. It screens faster, searches outside closed networks and avoids bias-filled intuition. That’s not science fiction. It’s been happening for years inside data-heavy funds.

The mistake is treating this AI vs. VC debate like a cage match between investors and algorithms. The smarter approach is to talk about what work is actually changing.

If You’re a Founder

• Don’t brag that “AI said we’re a winner.” No one cares.

• Ask investors how they use AI: such as sourcing or diligence.

• Include AI in your prep. Use it to sharpen your pitch to VCs.

If You’re an Investor

• Disclose where AI influences your process and where humans participate.

• Talk about bias reduction and speed, not magic.

• Relationships still matter. Say that plainly and proudly.

AI isn’t replacing venture. It’s stripping away the parts that were never really the job. The story now isn’t humans vs machines. It’s who’s willing to do the work only humans can do.

That’s your Media Shot for this week. Make yours count.

Editorial image generated using AI assistance. Image concept by the author.

Alastair Goldfisher Independent Journalist

I’m an independent journalist and podcaster focused on startup and venture capital trends, as well as storytelling and how AI is reshaping business and work. I host "The Venture Variety Show" and "The AI Cognitive Shift" podcasts, and I write "The Venture Lens" newsletter on Substack and Medium. I’ve spent 30 years in business journalism, covering Silicon Valley and beyond for outlets like Venture Capital Journal, Reuters, PEHub and Silicon Valley Business Journal. Today, I also help founders and investors sharpen their stories through media training and content consulting. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, stay curious about tech and people, and I always welcome a good conversation.