Capital Raising Education Series: Part 9 | Featuring: ImageArb (Blayn Barnard Smith and Megan Nicholson)
What this video covers: AI tools are now standard in the marketing workflow. That is not the problem. The problem is when managers use AI to replace the work of developing an authentic message rather than to support it. This session covers where AI genuinely helps, where it actively hurts, and why the human edge in raising capital remains irreplaceable.
The Two Failure Modes of AI in Marketing
The first is authenticity. AI-generated content is by definition derived from other sources. It cannot tell your story. It cannot articulate why your specific team, with your specific background, operating your specific strategy, is uniquely positioned to generate alpha. Those answers only exist inside your head, and they are exactly what allocators are looking for. If you cannot articulate your differentiators, why would an allocator take the time to ask?
The second is analysis paralysis. AI can generate an overwhelming volume of options, for logo concepts, pitchbook outlines, messaging frameworks. More options beyond a certain point do not improve the outcome. They slow decision-making and dilute focus. One manager came to ImageArb with a logo concept he loved, went down a ChatGPT rabbit hole over the weekend, and came back Monday with two dozen alternatives that made him question his original direction entirely. That is not progress.
Where AI is Actually Useful
- Idea generation: use it to spark initial directions, then curate ruthlessly
- For design concepts: narrow down to 10 options maximum, then take them to a professional designer
- For content: reduce AI-generated ideas to 5 key takeaways, then refine with human input
- For first drafts: helpful for overcoming a blank page, but treat the output as raw material, not finished content
The Human Edge
AI cannot understand what an allocator is seeking from your strategy, what problem they are trying to solve in their portfolio, or what they are hoping to gain from a return stream. It cannot replicate original thought or genuine human creativity. The most effective capital raisers invest time upfront, working with mentors, colleagues, and trusted service providers, to develop a message that is authentically theirs before they go out to investors.
You frequently get one shot with a capital source. Invest the resources upfront to get it right.
If this video raised questions about how any of these topics apply to your fund, Steve Vlasak is happy to help. You can contact Steve directly at svlasak@richeymay.com.
Dive into the other topics in this Capital Raising Education series:
- Part 1: Rule 506(b) vs. 506(c) — Which One Is Right for You?
- Part 2: Allocating Money and the Due Diligence Process
- Part 3: Considerations for IRA Investment into Fund Structures
- Part 4: What to Do With Investor Contacts — A Look Into CRM
- Part 5: Updating Your Marketing Toolkit
- Part 6: The Perfect Pitchbook
- Part 7: Contributed Securities
- Part 8: Rule 506(b) vs. 506(c) — A Legal Deep Dive
