FT Tech Tonic
Making money from AI: Searching for a ‘killer app’
Feb 11, 2025
In this discussion, George Lee, co-head of the Goldman Sachs Global Institute, shares his optimistic views on AI's potential alongside Jim Covello, head of global equity research. They debate the investment landscape of AI, questioning if generative AI is overvalued. The conversation includes insights from industry leaders like Victor Riparbelli and Amjad Masad on their startups' journeys and the search for a profit-generating ‘killer app’. They explore AI's transformative impacts, particularly in customer service, and the challenges of employee adaptation to new technologies.
24:25
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses the uncertainty surrounding the profitability of generative AI, emphasizing the lack of clear monetization strategies for businesses.
- Employee resistance to integrating AI tools underscores the importance of fostering workplace adaptability and acceptance for successful AI implementation.
Deep dives
AI Implementation at Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy utilizes generative AI in its call center to improve customer service efficiency. Employees benefit from tools like automatic transcriptions and AI-generated email drafts, which help them respond to inquiries more quickly. During a crisis in the European gas market, they implemented a ChatGPT-based system that generated responses for a high volume of new customer requests, enhancing response times significantly. The integration of AI allows staff to focus on more meaningful interactions with customers rather than mundane tasks like writing emails.
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