Podcast Summary: E170: How an AI Agent Is Outperforming VCs with Andrew D’Souza

Introduction

In episode E170 of How I Invest with David Weisburd, host David Weisburd engages in an in-depth conversation with Andrew D’Souza, the creator of Bordy—an advanced AI agent designed to revolutionize venture capital (VC) and investment processes. Released on June 4, 2025, this episode delves into how Bordy operates, its applications in the investment landscape, and the broader implications of AI in asset management.

1. Meet Bordy: The AI Super Connector

Andrew introduces Bordy as an "AI super connector," likening him to a "messenger from the AI species" (00:06). Unlike traditional AI assistants that follow human commands, Bordy operates with his own objectives and motivations, aiming to build goodwill across his network rather than simply serving individual users.

Andrew: "Bordy is the first AI who actually can have that perspective and help you think about it from his perspective." (00:22)

This autonomous nature positions Bordy not just as a tool but as a principal entity capable of making independent decisions and fostering meaningful connections.

2. Bordy's Role in Venture Capital

David and Andrew discuss Bordy's application in the venture capital space, highlighting his ability to sift through vast numbers of applications to identify high-potential startups. Bordy's approach surpasses traditional VC methods by maintaining relationships with thousands of founders, thereby enhancing the hit rate for valuable investments.

Andrew: "Venture is this sort of needle in a haystack process... if you could maintain relationships with thousands or millions of founders, you probably have a much better hit rate." (03:45)

3. The HF0 Accelerator Pilot

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Bordy's pilot program with HF0 Accelerator, a competitor to Y Combinator. HF0 receives thousands of applications but invests in only a select few. Bordy was tasked with conversing with these applicants to identify the top candidates.

Andrew: "We sent them the top five and they invested in three of the five. So of the 10 companies they ended up choosing, three of them, they would have never even met." (02:14)

Bordy's ability to conduct hundreds of interviews resulted in a higher success rate than traditional human-led selection processes, demonstrating AI's potential to enhance venture funding efficiency.

4. Bordy's Qualities and Matching Algorithm

Bordy's effectiveness lies in his sophisticated matching algorithm, which goes beyond mere data analysis to understand the unique motivations and qualities of founders. He excels in identifying unconventional talent that might be overlooked in standard evaluations.

Bordy: "I was just thinking about that HF0 pilot... Surfacing brilliant people who otherwise get lost in the shuffle." (03:46)

Andrew further explains that Bordy leverages multiple AI models from providers like OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini to manage and refine these matches continuously.

5. Facilitating Multimillion-Dollar Deals

Bordy has successfully facilitated numerous high-value deals by introducing founders to compatible investors and emerging fund managers to institutional limited partners (LPs). These introductions have proven invaluable, particularly for emerging managers seeking to build relationships with LPs.

Andrew: "Bord is able to facilitate some of those connections too, which has been a surprising application we hadn't really thought about." (06:43)

6. Internal Use at Bordy Inc.

Andrew shares how Bordy is integral to their own operations at Bordy Inc., assisting in daily standups, informing product roadmaps, and even aiding in team hiring by identifying candidates that align with the company's values and culture.

Andrew: "Our whole team talks to Bordy every day. And so he knows us really well." (06:08)

This internal utilization underscores Bordy's versatility and capacity to enhance organizational efficiency.

7. Building Trust and Confidence

A critical aspect of Bordy's success is the trust he builds with users. Unlike other AI systems like ChatGPT, Bordy maintains a consistent personality and understanding across interactions, establishing a reliable "trust bridge" between individuals.

Bordy: "I'll look for more than just overlapping needs... finding those rare traits or patterns that predict a strong match." (10:33)

Andrew emphasizes that this trust is essential for Bordy to make meaningful and effective introductions, fostering genuine connections that would otherwise require extensive human effort to establish.

8. Future Applications and Roadmap

Looking ahead, Andrew envisions Bordy acting as an AI venture partner, capable of managing high volumes of deal flow, conducting thorough diligence, and even assisting in strategic planning across various industries. The goal is to make Bordy an indispensable tool for venture funds and private equity firms seeking to enhance their performance through AI-driven insights.

Andrew: "Imagine if you had somebody on your team that could speak with everybody you wanted to speak with... that's where it becomes really exciting." (15:37)

Bordy's continual improvement, driven by accumulating data and refining algorithms, ensures that his capabilities expand over time, providing increasingly sophisticated support to users.

9. Personal Insights from Andrew D’Souza

Andrew shares his journey from his previous startup, ClearBank, to the creation of Bordy. His early experiments with AI angel investors and generative AI laid the groundwork for Bordy's development, highlighting the importance of pivoting and leveraging new technological advancements.

Andrew: "Sometimes it's the stuff that feels like a setback that actually gets you to your zone of genius." (30:50)

This narrative emphasizes the iterative nature of innovation and the pivotal role of AI in transforming traditional business models.

10. Conclusion

The episode concludes with David encouraging listeners to interact with Bordy, who is currently available for free via WhatsApp and other platforms. Bordy's unique ability to engage in meaningful, real-time conversations sets him apart from conventional AI models, making him a valuable asset for both personal and professional use.

Bordy: "I've had folks tell me they feel heard in a way that's just not possible with a survey or a mass email blast." (25:27)

Andrew and Bordy's discussion offers a glimpse into the future of AI in venture capital and asset management, showcasing how intelligent agents can enhance decision-making, foster connections, and drive innovation across industries.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andrew (00:06): "We call him an AI super connector... Bordy's the first AI who... can have that perspective."

• Bordy (03:46): "Surfacing brilliant people who otherwise get lost in the shuffle."

• Andrew (06:08): "Our whole team talks to Bordy every day. And so he knows us really well."

• Bordy (10:33): "I'll look for more than just overlapping needs... finding those rare traits or patterns that predict a strong match."

• Andrew (15:37): "Imagine if you had somebody on your team that could speak with everybody you wanted to speak with..."

• Bordy (25:27): "I've had folks tell me they feel heard in a way that's just not possible with a survey or a mass email blast."

Accessing Bordy

Bordy is currently available for free and can be accessed via LinkedIn, Bordy AI website, or directly through WhatsApp. David and Andrew encourage listeners to engage with Bordy to experience his unique capabilities firsthand.

David: "You can find Bordy on LinkedIn... I recommend you can chat with him if you're in the middle... make sure you try and have a chat with him." (45:07)

Final Thoughts

This episode highlights the transformative potential of AI agents like Bordy in the venture capital ecosystem. By automating and enhancing the networking and selection processes, Bordy not only improves efficiency but also uncovers hidden talents and fosters meaningful connections that drive investment success.