Weekly Velocity Meter 2.3
Week of 2/3/2025
Good morning, brainiacs.
While the world argues about pineapple on pizza, AI has quietly been revolutionizing everything from how we Google to how billion-dollar decisions get made. In this issue, we’re diving deep into the AI ocean—no life jackets needed. Whether you’re curious about search hacks, next-gen software, or how AI is reshaping consulting, we’ve got you covered. Let’s roll.
🚀 1. Google Like a Pro
Forget basic keyword searches—Popular Science’s guide shows you how to wield Google’s advanced search operators like a digital detective. Learn how to master quotation marks, minus operators, and the site: command to zero in on exactly what you need. Plus, tips on using Google Scholar to unearth academic gold.
Why it matters:
Cut through the noise, avoid misinformation, and surface credible sources faster than your competition.
🤖 2. AI Isn’t Just SaaS Anymore—It’s Service as Software
Foundation Capital explores the rise of AI-driven tools turning traditional services into scalable software solutions. No more manual processes—AI handles it. Think consulting, customer support, even parts of product development—all automated, all efficient.
Key takeaway:
The companies winning today are the ones letting AI do the heavy lifting.
🔍 3. OpenAI’s New Research Agent: Your New Favorite Intern
OpenAI’s latest AI agent is here to speed up online research, automating data collection, summarizing content, and saving you from endless tab-switching marathons.
Why you care:
Professionals are cutting research time by up to 50%. Imagine what you could do with that extra time (like finally organizing your inbox… or not).
🧠 4. Real-World AI Agents Are Actually Useful (Not Just Hype)
VentureBeat breaks down how AI agents are moving beyond buzzwords. From virtual customer service reps to AI-powered financial advisors, businesses are getting real ROI—and not just in Silicon Valley.
Bottom line:
The companies that embrace AI today will dominate tomorrow.
💼 5. Consulting Gets an AI Makeover
Meet Perceptis, the consulting startup blending McKinsey’s strategic chops with Apple’s tech savvy. Their AI tools crank out proposals and business strategies faster than traditional consultants—without sacrificing quality.
Why it’s cool:
More time thinking strategically, less time fiddling with PowerPoint slides.
💰 6. AI Is the Financial Industry’s Secret Weapon
NVIDIA’s latest survey shows how AI is reshaping finance—predicting risks, personalizing customer experiences, and even boosting revenue. Banks and fintechs aren’t experimenting anymore; they’re all in.
TL;DR:
If you’re not using AI in finance, you’re already behind.
🌐 7. A $10M Bet on AI Efficiency
Former Google and DeepMind engineers just raised $10 million for QEE, an AI platform designed to optimize business processes like supply chain management and customer engagement. The goal? Making enterprise-level AI accessible to businesses of all sizes.
The future is here:
Advanced AI tools—no data science degree required.
Until next time:
Remember, AI isn’t coming for your job. It’s coming for the boring parts of your job. Let it.
