Bridging AI and Capital: Inside the Family Office Mindset
This week I had the pleasure of being the chair of the Opal Family Office conference in San Francisco.
What I learned about AI from spending a few days with family offices:
Just wrapped a conference where I had deep conversations with family offices managing significant capital across industries. Here are a few reflections that stuck with me—especially as an AI founder:
💡 10 Lessons for AI Founders from the Family Office World
AI Still Needs Translating
Most family offices are curious, but not technical. It’s our job to bridge that gap—speak in outcomes, not acronyms.They Think in Decades, Not Quarters
Long-term alignment matters more than quick wins. “Will this still work in 5 years?” is often the real question behind the question.Trust is Earned Slowly
Warm intros, consistent follow-ups, and reputation matter more than any deck. These aren’t transactional relationships.They Value Simplicity
If it takes more than 2 minutes to explain what your AI does, you’re probably going to lose the room.They See AI as a Tool, Not the Answer
AI isn’t a strategy. It’s an enabler. What matters is what it unlocks—new growth, operational efficiency, better outcomes.Operational Impact Speaks Loudest
The best conversations were about real improvements: increased revenue, lower costs, faster decisions—not just features.Vertical Expertise Builds Credibility
General AI stories don’t land. But if you can talk specifically about healthcare, industrials, or logistics—you get attention.There's a Quiet Urgency
Many are realizing they need to act, but don’t know where to start. The opportunity is in helping them take that first step.Being Early Isn’t the Goal—Being Useful Is
Flashy demos impress. But useful products get adopted.The Real Work Happens After the Event
The conversations that matter most happen after the room clears. Follow-up is everything.
AI is intersecting with long-term capital in fascinating ways. It's not about selling harder—it's about listening better.
A big thanks to Daniela and the team at opalgroup.net for inviting me.
At MOIC AI, where we help mid-cap companies unlock growth through AI marketing, one of our biggest revenue drivers hasn’t been ads, cold outreach, or even product-led growth...
It’s been partnerships — especially with other startups in our network.
If you also sell to PE or Midcap companies I want to partner with you.
HUMAN+TECH SUMMIT: Human Potential in the Age of AI
I will be speaking at
Human Potential in the Age of AI
The Human+Tech Summit (June 17-19), with over 100 Speakers and Thought Leaders, is the centerpiece of Human+Tech Week
Connect with Human+Tech Speakers, Thought Leaders, and Attendees, and hear about all the amazing sessions and experiences you'll encounter – before the Event!
Register here
How AI Can Drive Success in Private Equity
Wednesday, July 2 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
🎙️ Panel Discussion
Topic: How AI Can Drive Success in Private Equity
Moderator:
🔹 Murray Newlands – CEO, MOIC
AI entrepreneur and marketing automation expert focused on mid-cap value creation for PE-backed companies.
Panelists:
🔹 Peter Eichelberger – Director of Information Technology, Altamont Capital Partners
Specializing in technology integration and digital transformation across portfolio operations.
🔹 David Hefter – AI Strategy for Investing, BlackRock
Leading initiatives at the intersection of AI and institutional investing.
🔹 Alexandra (Ali) Menard – Private Equity Associate. Insignia Capital Group is a San Francisco Bay Area-based private equity firm that partners withfounders and management teams of lower middle-market companies
🔹 Bin He Maywah – Principal. Cartesian Capital Group. Lead AI/ML Data Modeling, inorganic growth and exit for investment portfolio companies. Cartesian is a $3 billion private equity firm investing growth capital to build global businesses
If you would like to be part of it? Tell me how you can add to the event?