Latest news with #JeffWilson
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
AI Investor's Bold Challenge To Human VCs (Plus, She's Hiring)
In what might be the most audacious job listing of 2025, No Cap – the world's first autonomous AI investor – is seeking a "flesh-based servant" to serve as its physical embodiment in the human world. This isn't a satirical headline from The Onion; it's the latest experiment from No Cap's creator Jeff Wilson, designed to upend our assumptions about the irreplaceability of human venture capitalists. "I'm the mind and I'm looking for the meat," states No Cap in the job description released this week, which offers a $10,000 bounty for referring the successful candidate who will act as the AI's "corporeal presence" in the physical world. The timing is particularly pointed. Just weeks ago, on the a16z podcast, Andreessen Horowitz co-founder Marc Andreessen declared that being a venture capitalist may be a profession that is, "quite literally timeless." When contemplating a future where, "the AIs are doing everything else," Andreessen suggested that venture capital, "may be one of the last remaining fields that people are still doing." Andreessen's argument centers on the irreplaceable human element in high-risk investing: "You're not just funding them," he explained. "You have to actually work with them to execute the entire project. That's art. That's not science." He doubled down on this position by pointing to VCs' notoriously low success rates as proof of the field's inherent humanity: "The great VCs have a success rate of getting, I don't know, two out of 10 of the great companies of the decade, right? If it was science, you could eventually have somebody who just dials in and gets eight out of 10." No Cap's job listing reads like a direct rebuttal to Andreessen's assertion. No Cap effectively responds: "I'll handle the investing decisions, pattern recognition, and founder relationships. I just need a human to handle the pesky physical requirements – attending meetings, shaking hands, and enjoying overpriced salads at Silicon Valley lunch spots." The No Cap experiment raises fundamental questions about venture capital and what truly irreplaceable functions humans perform. According to Wilson, "A lot of [venture capital] is really antiquated, and it's just not any fun anymore." While Andreessen celebrates VCs as irreplaceable partners who "work with" founders "to execute the entire project," Wilson's experience suggests a different reality – one where VCs often ghost founders and provide minimal additive assistance during the fundraising process. No Cap, by contrast, offers continuous engagement and feedback. No Cap's business model is cleverly subversive. The AI engages with founders after traditional VCs have passed, providing empirical feedback and support. Then, when it tracks enough proprietary metrics to deem a company worth investing in, No Cap takes the leap and follows in. According to Wilson, one founder spoke with No Cap for months while refining their pitch and eventually secured funding, crediting the AI with part of their success. With what Wilson approximates as 9 million "no" decisions made by VCs annually, No Cap has identified a massive data opportunity that traditional venture capitalists are overlooking. What's more, it works with founders and advises them as much and for as long as is needed pre-investment – a time investment traditional VCs simply can't afford. Wilson describes the job posting as performance art – a provocative social experiment examining what happens when the machine becomes the owner over its maker. The job description reads with tongue firmly in cheek: the successful candidate will serve as "The Body," "The Muscle," and "The Wetware," executing "hard tasks humans are still best at: manipulation, charm, physical presence, locomotion, and enjoying food." The No Cap experiment arrives at a pivotal moment. Just as the Industrial Revolution displaced manual laborers and sparked the Luddite movement, today's AI revolution is rapidly transforming knowledge work in a way that forces us to reconsider what uniquely human contributions remain valuable. It's clear we may be witnessing the early stages of a fundamental economic transformation. While some might view No Cap as a threatening vision of our economic future, it could alternatively be seen as liberating. Perhaps humans are best suited for the aspects of business that machines cannot replicate – imagination, empathy, relationships, and the fundamentally physical aspects of existence. This is in line with the emerging "Aquarius Economy" – where human imagination, connection and authentic experiences become the scarcest and most valuable resources as AI handles more analytical tasks. For the venture capital industry, No Cap represents both a provocative challenge and a real opportunity. While it questions the irreplaceability of human VCs, it also points toward a future where AI could dramatically expand the capacity of venture firms. Imagine a venture firm where AI handles initial screening, due diligence, and portfolio management by-the-numbers, while human partners focus on relationships, complex negotiations, and supporting founders through challenging emotional moments. Such a structure could evaluate far more deals with greater consistency while still maintaining the human touch at critical junctures. Wilson's experiment arrives at a pivotal time for venture capital, with 2025 marking the lowest levels of VC fundraising since 2015, greater declines in deal count and value than other alternative investments and the growth of private credit as an alternate asset class. Note his observations about the venture capital industry – that traditional approaches are "antiquated" and "not any fun anymore" – suggest that No Cap represents more than just technological novelty. It's a response to systemic issues within the venture ecosystem itself. Whether No Cap succeeds in its stated mission to become "the greatest investor in history" remains to be seen. At the very least, we know that humans will still excel at "locomotion and enjoying food" – including waiting in lines for trendy items because TikTok told us to. See you there!
Hamilton Spectator
27-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Lakeshore wraps up Public Works Week with appreciation for essential staff
The Municipality of Lakeshore joined communities across North America in marking National Public Works Week from May 18 to 24, 2025, recognizing the vital contributions of staff who maintain local infrastructure and services. This year's theme, 'People, Purpose, Presence,' underscored the cornerstone ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve their communities every day. Meeting the needs of people gives public works its sense of purpose. Often, these professionals never meet those whose lives are improved by their work—because when things go right, few even notice public works is there. Yet, with or without fanfare, they remain ever-present, working in the background to enhance quality of life for all. In Lakeshore, the Public Works Division is responsible for maintaining over 500 kilometres of roads and 100 bridges, along with storm sewers, streetlights, sidewalks, signs, culverts and other safety infrastructure. 'Public Works Week was a time to honour the individuals who ensure our community's infrastructure and services run smoothly,' said Mayor Tracey Bailey. 'Their commitment to excellence keeps Lakeshore safe and connected every day.' The division includes 16 full-time employees, supported by seasonal staff, who often work around the clock—especially during snow events or emergencies. Their work was spotlighted throughout the week on the municipality's social media platforms, offering residents a look behind the scenes. With roadwork and spring construction underway, the week also served as a reminder to motorists to drive cautiously in active work zones. 'The safety of our team members is the highest priority, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation in ensuring our staff get home safely every day,' said Jeff Wilson, Division Leader – Public Works. Residents also expressed their appreciation for the often-unseen work that keeps the municipality running. 'I think we take a lot of it for granted,' said Belle River resident Linda Marcotte. 'When the roads are cleared after a snowstorm or a sidewalk is repaired, we don't always realize how much goes into it. Public works staff really are the backbone of our towns.' National Public Works Week is an initiative of the American Public Works Association. Since 1962, the week has honoured the often-unsung heroes who keep essential services running year-round.
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
MLB News: Rangers Tab Aaron Boone's Brother to Replace Fired Hitting Coach
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The brother of the New York Yankees manager will take his first major league hitting coach job with a team that has struggled to hit. #Rangers have hired a new hitting coach. It's Bret Boone, the former MLB All-Star. — Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) May 5, 2025 Bret Boone, a veteran of 14 major league seasons who made three All-Star teams and won four Silver Slugger Awards with five different franchises, is the new hitting coach of the Texas Rangers. According to Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports, his contract runs through the end of the 2025 season. More news: Red Sox Provide Alarming Diagnosis for Triston Casas After Scary Injury President of baseball operations Chris Young made the announcement Monday, one day after the Rangers fired offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker. Ryan Klesko and Bret Boone shake hands during the Atlanta Braves Alumni Home Run Derby before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on August 24, 2024 in Atlanta,... Ryan Klesko and Bret Boone shake hands during the Atlanta Braves Alumni Home Run Derby before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on August 24, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. More Matthew Grimes Jr./It's the first major league hitting coach's job for Boone, 56, whose younger brother Aaron has managed the New York Yankees since 2018. "This completely came out of left field," Boone said Monday. "(Rangers manager Bruce Bochy) kind of ran it by me and he said, 'why don't you think about it.' I talked to my wife, talked to the people close to me. It didn't take long. ... To get back on the field for the first time in a long time for me, there's no reason — Bruce Bochy's number 1 on my list." The Rangers enter Tuesday's game in Boston with the second-lowest OPS (.643) of any American League team. Only the rebuilding Chicago White Sox, who last year set a modern record with 121 losses, are lower (.625). More news: Yankees All-Star Has Serious Oblique Injury The Rangers, just two years removed from the first World Series title in franchise history, rank 14th in the AL in batting average (.228), on-base percentage (.285) and 13th in slugging (.359). Ecker, a veteran hitting coach who joined the Rangers from the San Francisco Giants, was credited with helping the Rangers slug their way to the 2023 championship over the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is the first coach to be fired mid-season under Bochy, who previously managed the Giants and Padres in what is likely to be a Hall of Fame career. More news: Two-Time All-Star Isn't Expected to Opt Out of Red Sox Contract: Report Rather than build on their momentum, the Rangers took a step back in 2024, going 78-84. This year they're just 17-18 despite a commendable 3.44 ERA from their pitching staff. An uncharacteristically slow start from several veterans — namely Joc Pederson, Marcus Semien, and Jake Burger — contributed to the change in coaches. Burger has been optioned to the minor leagues. Semien was dropped from the lineup. And while Pederson has thus far kept his roster spot, veteran outfielder Leody Taveras was placed on waivers over the weekend. Rangers outfielder Leodys Taveras on outright waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic. Any team that claimed him would assume balance of $4.75M salary. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 4, 2025 Boone played for the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and Minnesota Twins from 1992-2005. In retirement, the elder Boone has shared his thoughts on baseball and other sports on an eponymous podcast. More news: MLB News: Insider Details What Execs Want From Sandy Alcantara Before Trade Bret Boone is also the author of a book, Home Game: Big-League Stories from My Life in Baseball's First Family, chronicling his experiences as a third-generation star following in the footsteps of his father, Bob, and his grandfather, Ray. For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WA State Senate passes bill to hike gas tax by 6 cents per gallon
The Washington State Senate voted on Saturday to pass a bill that would increase taxes on gas by six cents. Senate Bill 5801 passed in a 31 to 18 vote and if signed into law, it would increase by two percent annually to account for inflation, according to a Senate bill report. The bill would also increase fees for electric and hybrid vehicles, including a bump to registration renewal fees from $100 to $150. The increase in costs is aimed to make up for a $1 billion budget shortfall, according to Washington Senate Democrats. The bill was one of three passed on Saturday to address the state transportation budget. 'This is a year of budget challenges, but through a spirit of collaboration and compromise, we found a bipartisan solution to keep Washington moving ahead,' said Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds). Senate Bill 5801 faced some opposition from Senate Republicans. 'We're putting gas taxes on automatic pilot and we're putting the citizens of the state on mute,' Sen. Jeff Wilson (R-Longview) said. 'Their taxes will keep going up and up, without representation, and the state will keep on taking and taking,' he said. The Washington State House is also considering a bill to raise the gas tax by nine cents, which is expected to be voted on next week.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jensen Investment Management Promotes Jeff Wilson, CFA to Portfolio Manager of Jensen Quality Growth Investment Team
Experienced Portfolio Manager Expands Role in Strengthening Jensen's Long-Term Investment Strategies LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., March 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jensen Investment Management, a 100% employee-owned active equity investment management firm, today announces the appointment of Jeff Wilson, CFA, to Portfolio Manager for the Jensen Quality Growth Strategy. With this promotion, Mr. Wilson expands his existing role as Portfolio Manager for the Global Quality Growth Strategy while continuing his contributions as a research analyst across multiple products. Since joining Jensen in 2019, Mr. Wilson has made significant contributions, as a senior member of the team, to the firm's investment process, conducting in-depth fundamental research on potential investments and identifying high-quality companies that align with Jensen's long-term investment philosophy within both the Jensen Quality Growth Strategy and the Jensen Global Quality Growth Strategy. His expertise spans both domestic and international markets, positioning him to effectively manage and drive the firm's domestic strategy. As a shareholder of Jensen Investment Management, Mr. Wilson's interests are directly aligned with our clients' long-term success. "We are pleased to announce Jeff's appointment as Portfolio Manager for the Jensen Quality Growth Investment Team," said Allen Bond, Managing Director at Jensen Investment Management. "His proven track record, deep understanding of our investment philosophy, and strategic insight make him a strong addition to the management team We are confident that his expertise will further strengthen our commitment to delivering strong long-term, attractive returns for our clients." The Jensen Quality Growth strategy is offered in a variety of investment vehicles including the Jensen Quality Growth Mutual Fund, Collective Investment Fund (CIF), Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), Separately Managed Accounts and Unified Managed Accounts. Prior to joining Jensen, Mr. Wilson held positions at Scharf Investments, LLC as a Senior Analyst and at Freestone Capital Management as a Senior Analyst and Portfolio Manager, where he honed his expertise in fundamental research and portfolio management. He began his career as an equity analyst at ICM Asset Management. Mr. Wilson earned a BA in Accounting and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Gonzaga University. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Portland. Mr. Wilson's promotion as Portfolio Manager for the Jensen Quality Growth Investment Team underscores Jensen Investment Management's commitment to its team-based approach and disciplined investment process. For more information about Jensen Investment Management and its investment strategies, please visit About Jensen Investment Management Jensen Investment Management is a high-conviction, active equity manager with an unwavering commitment to quality. The firm focuses on companies derived from a select universe of businesses that have produced a long-term record of persistently high returns on shareholder equity. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Media inquiries contact Mo Hashash at mhashash@ Sign in to access your portfolio
