VC Funding on the Rise

This Week

After a break for the July 4th holiday, we have a lot to catch up on!

We’ve got AI sales and marketing stats to share, a look at VC funding trends, what books to read this summer, an AI ROI calculator, training courses, and a list of 101 women in AI to follow.

Happy reading!

The State of AI in Sales and Marketing

Here’s a bit of research for your week:

The Pipedrive annual State of Sales and Marketing report reveals that small businesses (SMBs) are leading AI adoption, with 42% of SMBs using AI compared to 37% of medium and 23% of large companies. 

Although there’s been plenty of discussion about how AI might replace workers, the future doesn’t look that bleak (phew): 76% of respondents have a positive outlook and are convinced that AI will support their work. Only 8% of respondents fear AI will reduce their teams' size.

And when asked which technologies would positively impact their work, 38% chose AI tools.

Read the full report here. 

VC Funding on the Rise After Long Decline

VC funding jumped in Q2, thanks to AI. 

According to Pitchbook, nearly half of the $55.6 billion in VC funding raised last quarter went to AI-related firms. Excitement around AI boosted overall funding to a two-year high, stalling the recent decline. 

On the other hand, there were fewer overall transactions last quarter than at any point since 2020, and a big portion of the funding went to only a few top players. That means it was likely just as hard, if not harder, for startups to break through. 

With little funding, startups have to make cuts to keep afloat. On the other hand, an influx of cash means they can keep growing and take more risks. Startup funding also helps set the tone for the overall economy, and AI is now an integral part of that equation. 

An Economist analysis says even though AI is already playing a bigger part in our everyday lives, it could take nearly a decade for companies to generate earnings from those investments.

AI Books For Your Summer Reading List

McKinsey's 2024 annual book recommendations are out. It features 90+ books recommended by global leaders and CEOs. The list includes business, technology, personal development, and fiction titles, with "Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity" highlighted as a standout favorite. 

McKinsey says the recommendations reflect current trends and provide insights and moments of respite for the reader. There are even a few AI tomes on the list, including Ethan Mollick’s binge-worthy Co-Intelligence, Verify Hardin’s AI Needs You, and Mustafa Suleyman’s The Coming Wave. 

You’ll find the full list at McKinsey.

Calculate Your AI ROI

Does your manager, team, or executive leader need convincing of AI’s impact on your productivity and cost savings? Section’s AI ROI Calculator is here to save the day!

Prove the value of your AI investment and secure more support by showing its overall impact on your work, including time and money saved, and innovation gained.

Here’s how the calculator works:

1. Financial Metrics: Quantify weekly time savings from using AI and translate them into the company's monetary savings.

2. Qualitative Metrics: Measure AI's impact on productivity, burnout reduction, and strategic capabilities.

Download the AI ROI calculator from Section.

Master ChatGPT & AI With Superhuman

Superhuman is launching an AI Academy to help you cut through the hype and learn the AI skills that matter.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• The Intro to AI & ChatGPT Mastery course

• Access to 100+ courses and tutorials

• Our top 100 AI tools and 1,000+ prompts

• A network of professionals that are using AI around the world

The courses and tutorials have been developed by a team of AI engineers entrepreneurs, and AI content creators.

They’re giving the first 100 people who join the waitlist 50% off their first month.

Join the Superhuman AI Academy waitlist.

101 Women in AI Marketing

I was thrilled when the Women in AI Marketing community notified me that I was being featured as one of their AI Marketing Change Agents. 

​​They just released their list of 101 Women in AI Marketing that celebrates women excelling at AI and marketing. The organizers say the list showcases women redefining AI and marketing innovation.

I’m honored to be included among so many AI and marketing luminaries, including Liza Adams and Lara Shackelford. 

You can see the full list at Women in AI.