A few weeks ago, a founder I’d coached a few years back attended one of my pitch training sessions again. Her pitch sounded flawless. She had sharp copy, smooth transitions, and powerful delivery. But something felt off.
Within seconds, it was obvious: there was no authenticity. The pitch sounded more like ChatGPT than her.
That moment stuck with me. I know I developed a strong “cut the crap” filter many years ago. But now I’ve realized - I’ve also developed an auto-generated BS filter.
How do I know?
I stop listening. And it’s not something I can control.
And I’m not alone. I hear more and more investors saying the same thing:
"Everyone sounds the same. It doesn’t make sense. Nobody feels real anymore."
At the same time, I get more and more founders asking, “Can I use AI to write my investor pitch?”
Or worse: “Can I just send an AI-generated video?”
NO. NO. NO. - YOU CAN’T.
The Reason Behind Todays Newsletter
I wrote this newsletter because of those conversations.
Because:
You can’t automate authenticity.
Founders today are falling into a dangerous trap. They’re outsourcing their voice to AI tools to sound smarter, smoother, and more scalable.
But in the process, they’re losing the one thing investors actually buy into: trust.
Whether it’s investor emails, pitch copy, or even live presentations, AI is shaping content in a way that feels sharp and efficient… but in reality — it doesn’t impress. It lands flat.
When your pitch sounds AI-generated - generic, over-polished, full of buzzwords - investors disengage. Fast.
And the worst part?
We instantly notice when others sound fake…
But we rarely notice when we do.
Remember:
If AI improves your grammar but destroys your authenticity, you’re better off without it.
The Strategy
1. Speak with your real voice
Old email: “Hey, quick question…”
New email: “Greetings, I trust this message finds you well as we forge ahead…”
Same sender. Totally different planet.
Avoid AI-polished fillers. Don’t write how you think you should sound - write how you actually speak.
2. Be live, even virtually
Don’t send a video.
Pitch live. Let them feel your energy, your conviction, your urgency.
3. Be authentic
Use natural pauses and real stories.
Be human. Be imperfect. Be memorable.
A great pitch is a transfer of emotion.
4. Use AI as a tool, not a translator
Let it help you with drafts, structure, or outlines — but not your tone.
Every final message should pass the “Does this sound like me?” test.
If the answer is no — rewrite it. Or better yet, say it out loud.
Expected Results
When you reclaim your voice and presence:
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Investors lean in
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You stand out
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You build trust faster
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You become more persuasive
And most importantly:
You pitch in a way that no AI ever can.
You don’t need to sound perfect. You need to sound real.
I know it’s tempting to let tools take over when you’re busy.
But investors don’t remember your grammar — they remember your personality and your passion.
So ask yourself:
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Where am I letting tools take over my tone?
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What part of my story feels too scripted?
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What would this pitch sound like if I told it to a close friend over coffee?
Don’t over-polish.
Don’t auto-generate.
Don’t disappear behind the deck.
Because when you show up, trust shows up with you.