What Investors Look for in the AI Era

What Investors Look for in the AI Era

Author: Burkland May 19, 2026 Duration: 23:21
What does it actually take to be investment-ready in today's market? In this episode, Kate sits down with Jim Ferry, Partner at Volition Capital, a growth equity firm known for backing high-growth, founder-owned, capital-efficient businesses.

Jim reveals what he looks for in a founding team, the most common mistakes he sees in pitch decks, and how the bar for raising capital has changed in the age of AI. He also explains how his firm is building AI fluency internally — and why the "defensible moat" question is now front and center in their investment decisions.

We also cover:
  • What Volition learned about successful founders after analyzing 100+ founder attributes across its portfolio
  • How to build a durable company when engineering is no longer a barrier to entry
  • The right way to present your TAM to build credibility with investors
  • How investors are using AI to source and evaluate deals
No matter where you are in your fundraising journey, Jim's perspective offers a valuable window into how top investors are thinking right now.


----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

Learn more about Volition Capital: https://www.volitioncapital.com/


This episode is produced by:

Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas Media

Angela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts

Tuning into Startup Success: A Podcast for Founders & Investors feels less like attending a formal lecture and more like pulling up a chair in a room full of people who have actually built and funded companies. Hosted by the team at Burkland, the conversations here move beyond theory to focus on the tangible, often messy, realities of scaling a business. You’ll find episodes that feel timely, addressing the specific challenges and opportunities that founders and investors are navigating right now. The dialogue is driven by guests who have lived it-founders recounting pivotal moments from their journey and investors explaining the nuances behind their decisions. This isn't about generic advice; it's about the operational details that make or break growth. Each discussion naturally narrows in on a single, critical pressure point, whether that's untangling a complex financing round, refining a go-to-market strategy, or building a culture that can withstand rapid hiring. The value of this podcast lies in its specificity and the credibility of the voices featured. It serves as a practical resource for anyone actively involved in the lifecycle of a startup, offering perspectives that are immediately applicable to your own work. By focusing on real stories and current trends, the series provides a grounded, actionable look at what genuine progress requires from both sides of the founder-investor relationship.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Startup Success: A Podcast for Founders & Investors
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