Mark Kepeneghian

It's clear that replacing traditional support with chatbots leads to tangible operational gains and is relatively simple to implement today. However, many support interactions require personalized attention, and customers can quickly become disillusioned if they feel they are not being adequately considered because they are interacting with an AI. The solution, until AI becomes sophisticated enough to handle exceptions, is to maintain customer support staffed by real people. However, their responses and efficiency can be enhanced by AI that performs initial data processing and suggests adaptable responses. This approach balances the efficiency of AI with the personalized touch that human interaction provides.

Financial reports from publicly traded companies are essential for the transparency of financial markets. This transparency is crucial for analysts (brokers) to issue opinions or ratings. These analyses are absolutely necessary to facilitate the trading and liquidity of securities. However, the problem with financial reports is that they are time-consuming. Public companies are obligated to provide these reports, but their complexity can be a significant barrier when deciding whether to go public, especially for smaller issuers. By accelerating the production of reports, AI can break down these barriers, making it more feasible and acceptable for smaller companies to engage in public trading.

Although still in its embryonic stage in production systems, AI will undoubtedly become indispensable in various procedures of regulated financial actors. AI can be used to analyze and pre-process "atypical" transactions as part of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, which may lead to the filing of suspicious activity reports. Furthermore, AI will likely play a key role in proactively (rather than retroactively, as is often the case today) detecting patterns of market manipulation, order book tampering, and potential conflicts of interest in regulated market infrastructures.

Finding a mentor in venture capital is never straightforward, and there's certainly no one-size-fits-all solution. These connections often occur at industry events or meetings with corporates in your sector, where some individuals may have a natural affinity for entrepreneurship. It can also involve business angels (BAs) contacted during financing operations. Given the variety of ways to meet a mentor, the key strategy is to increase your presence at relevant events and maintain contact with your ecosystem. The crucial next step is to secure their agreement to mentor you. This depends on the dynamics of your interaction (sharing knowledge, monetary compensation, volunteer work) and their interest in your vision.

There are several pitfalls to avoid when choosing a mentor, the main ones being: Any potential conflict of interest. A mentor lacking entrepreneurial experience may underestimate the challenges you will face. A mentor without a robust network might sometimes prove disappointing. A mentor overly committed to numerous mentoring roles, resulting in a lack of time dedicated to you. A mentor with whom you lack affinity. Trust in your mentor is essential for a successful partnership.

A mentor in venture capital can be incredibly beneficial, taking various forms such as an advisor, board member, consultant, or coach. The goal is to surround oneself with someone who has experienced similar challenges, possesses a valuable network, and can thus accelerate your progress or provide the necessary perspective to challenge you effectively. Securing financing is rarely straightforward, and having the support of a trusted partner, who can also facilitate valuable introductions, can be the key to a successful operation. Naturally, this relationship must be built on trust and aligned interests (a shareholder as a mentor is often a logical choice); otherwise, it may prove futile or even counterproductive.