Desia is building AI apps for investment professionals

FIRST PASS

Desia secures $3.3M pre-seed round to build AI apps for investment professionals (TFN)

Desia, an AI-powered ‘system of intelligence’ for investment professionals, has secured $3.3M in pre-seed funding led by Dig Ventures, with participation from 2100 Ventures, Exor Ventures, and Octopus Ventures.

Key points:

• Founded by Raffaele Terrone (former Scalapay co-founder), Alessandro Amaro, and Mehmet Yalçin.

• Desia aims to automate data analysis for investment professionals, saving time and resources.

• The platform uses AI to extract and analyze data about potential investments automatically.

• The funding will support Desia's development and expansion into the UK, US, and Europe.

Merlin’s Notes: Desia joins a growing list of AI companies (see Rogo, Hebbia & others) focused on improving productivity in finance and is another one to watch.

As AI continues to penetrate the industry, we may see meaningful shifts in how due diligence and investment analysis are conducted.

For PE firms, tools like Desia could potentially enhance deal sourcing & evaluation processes, allowing teams to analyze larger volumes of data more efficiently.

And as the space becomes more competitive, firms should consider whether to partner with or invest in similar AI-powered financial technology solutions to maintain a competitive edge.

HIGHLIGHTS

Google Cloud showcases 185 real-world GenAI use cases from leading organizations (Google)

Google Cloud has compiled an extensive list of 185 real-world generative AI applications from leading organizations, demonstrating the technology's impact across various sectors.

Key highlights:

1. Customer agents: Companies like Alaska Airlines, Volkswagen, and Best Buy are using AI to enhance customer interactions and personalize experiences.

2. Employee agents: Organizations such as Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs and HCA Healthcare are leveraging AI to boost employee productivity and streamline operations.

3. Code agents: Developers at companies like Wayfair and Turing are seeing 30-55% productivity gains using AI-assisted coding tools.

4. Data agents: Firms like Bayer Crop Science and CME Group are using AI to analyze complex datasets and provide actionable insights.

5. Security agents: Financial institutions like Charles Schwab and BBVA are employing AI to enhance threat detection and response times.

6. Creative agents: Brands including Puma and Procter & Gamble are using AI to personalize marketing content and streamline asset creation.

Merlin’s Notes: This is a goldmine and we encourage you to skim the article and use it as a source of inspiration for your portcos where applicable. This comprehensive list of AI applications across diverse industries underscores the rapid adoption and tangible impact of genAI for enterprises. For PE firms, this presents both opportunities and challenges.

On the opportunity side, there's clear potential for value creation by implementing similar AI solutions across portfolio companies. Firms should consider how AI can enhance customer experience, boost employee productivity, and streamline operations in their investments.

However, the widespread adoption also means that AI is quickly becoming table stakes in many industries. PE firms need to ensure their portfolio companies aren't falling behind competitors in AI adoption.

Additionally, when evaluating new investments, assessing a company's AI readiness and potential for AI-driven value creation should certainly be part of the due diligence process.

It's worth noting that while these use cases demonstrate AI's potential, implementation challenges remain, including data quality issues, integration with existing systems, and ensuring responsible AI use. PE firms should be prepared to support their portfolio companies in navigating these challenges as they pursue AI initiatives. 

JARGON BUSTER

USE CASE SPOTLIGHT

How Schroders Capital built its AI platform for private markets

Schroders Capital, the $94 billion private markets manager, launched a proprietary AI platform called Generative AI Investment Analyst (GAiiA) to accelerate research into existing and potential private equity investments.

Key features of GAiiA:

1. Optimizes investment team's analysis processes by screening large volumes of data

2. Shows users all original sources of information, ensuring human control and verification

3. Integrates with existing AI tools like Genie, Schroders' internal AI assistant

Development process:

• Foundations laid 10 years ago with the creation of a data insights team

• Core functionality developed in 2023, leveraging new generative AI technology

• Close collaboration between data insights team and private equity investment teams

Impact and future plans:

1. Enables investment professionals to dedicate more time to high-value tasks

2. Allows the team to consider more investment opportunities

3. Plans to expand use beyond directs and co-investments to primaries, secondaries, and other asset classes

Schroders Capital's CIO, Nils Rode, notes: "The rollout and further enhancement of GAiiA allows our investment professionals to dedicate more time to high-value tasks, leading to better quality analysis and insights."

This case demonstrates how AI can significantly enhance the investment process in private markets, potentially leading to better outcomes for clients in terms of both speed and quality of analysis.

TOOL OF THE WEEK

Synthflow

Given the hype around voice AI since OpenAI’s advanced voice mode rollout, we thought we’d highlight a tool with real-world application:

Synthflow is making waves in the SME space with its no-code AI voice assistance platform, recently securing $7.4 million in seed funding. The Berlin-based startup aims to revolutionize how small businesses handle customer interactions.

Key features include:

1. No-code interface: Allows non-technical users to design custom voice agents

2. Task automation: Handles appointments, FAQs, and information extraction

3. Integration capabilities: Connects with calendars and CRMs for post-call data entry

4. Multilingual support: Currently offers English, German, and French (beta) versions

Synthflow's approach is particularly intriguing for SMBs looking to enhance their customer service without breaking the bank. Another interesting use case could be automated outbound prospecting for PE bizdev teams looking to reach potential sellers.