E39: Understanding the AI Roadmap for Finance, Strategy, and Ops with Dr. Andre Retterath of Data-driven VC

In this episode, CJ welcomes Andre Retterath, investing partner at Earlybird Venture Capital. This is a masterclass on AI where they cover the different levels of the AI tech stack and how to implement AI across tech organizations in the months and years ahead. They also cover how AI is changing back office functions for finance and operations folks, why large language models aren't necessarily built to deal with numbers, and Andre’s favorite decision-making frameworks. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics Andre has a PhD in AI and machine learning. He writes the popular Data-driven VC Substack https://www.datadrivenvc.io/ and is one of the foremost thought leaders of the intersection of machine learning and data to make investment decisions within the private markets. — PSA: Run The Numbers has a new Spotify and Apple show link. Follow the links to subscribe and ensure you'll never miss an episode Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/run-the-numbers/id1723787140 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zQCkklNnVgMD364kCW5SV — SPONSORS: NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than 37,000 thousand companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you're looking for an ERP platform ✅ NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get a customized KPI checklist. Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join OpenAI, Replicate, ElevenLabs and more at https://bit.ly/AttioRTN Maxio is the only billing and financial operations platform that was purpose built for B2B SaaS. They're helping SaaS finance teams automate billing and revenue recognition, manage collections and payments, and put together investor grade reporting packages. 🚀 Request a demo at www.maxio.com/runthenumbers for 10% off your first year. Thoropass provides complete compliance management, continuous monitoring, and security audits through intuitive software and expert guidance – allowing you to do business with confidence. Learn more: https://bit.ly/Thoropass 🔒 Tropic is the next-generation Procurement Platform that’s helping modern CFOs take control of their budgets and bottom line. By combining approval workflows, supplier management, and pricing benchmarks all in one place, Tropic makes savings opportunities easy to find and act on. 🌴 Visit www.tropicapp.io/metrics to learn how. — FOLLOW US ON X: @cjgustafson222 (CJ) @andreretterath (Andre) @EarlybirdVC (Earlybird) @turpentinemedia – TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (01:02) Welcome to Run the Numbers Podcast (02:36) Sponsor Break: NetSuite by Oracle (03:55) Sponsor Break: Attio CRM (04:50) Interview with Dr. Andre Retterath (05:40) Understanding the AI Tech Stack (09:53) The Role of AI in Finance and Operations (17:44) The Impact of AI on Sales and Marketing (27:35) AI in Contract Management and Reporting (30:38) Sponsor: Maxio |Thoropass (33:00) The Role of AI in Contract Management (33:43) The Limitations of AI Models (34:59) The Challenges of AI in Financial Analysis (35:30) Understanding the Mechanism of AI Models (36:58) The Downside of AI Models (40:22) AI in Finance: Fraud Detection and Dynamic Pricing (42:48) The Human Element in Venture Capital (50:54) The Future of Venture Capital with AI (54:48) The VC Software Stack: A Data-Driven Approach (1:00:16) Closing Remarks and Contact Information This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].