Getting honest feedback on a business idea is tough. It is even tougher when the person judging you is a computer wearing your mentor's face. Harvard Business School's new startup bootcamp is testing that exact scenario.
Harvard Business School is aiming to broaden its audience, so it's turning to AI avatars for personalized feedback. A startup named HeyGen developed these avatars, and they are included in the eight-week, $699 Foundry bootcamp for entrepreneurs at HBS. The program includes weekly live sessions with instructors, but the AI avatars are responsible for delivering feedback on practice pitches and board meetings.
This approach allows participants to get immediate, unbiased critiques without the pressure of a human evaluator. The avatars are designed to mimic the mannerisms and speech patterns of real venture capitalists, providing a realistic simulation of a pitch meeting.
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New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler tested the system herself, pitching to an AI-generated replica of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff Bussgang. It turns out that both the real Bussgang and his digital counterpart found her idea for "Uber for bananas" unimpressive, though Kessler noted the virtual version had a distinctly stiff smile during the pitch. The experience highlights both the potential and the limitations of using AI for feedback. While the avatars can offer consistent and scalable evaluations, they lack the nuanced emotional intelligence of a human mentor.
Project director Katharina Rings admitted she first envisioned the AI as more like a chatbot. But after HBS rolled out a trial, students expressed a desire for more structured guidance. The result is a hybrid system that combines the convenience of AI with the depth of human instruction.
Participants can practice multiple times, receiving instant feedback on their delivery, content, and persuasiveness. This repetition is key for entrepreneurs who need to refine their pitches before facing real investors.
Some college students have openly voiced their skepticism about AI, questioning whether a machine can truly understand the complexities of a startup. However, participants in the Foundry program told Kessler they appreciate the avatars. The feedback is often more direct and less filtered than what they might get from a human, who may hesitate to be too critical. Bussgang himself admitted his digital doppelgänger is a bit "creepy," yet he said, "My students love it." He acknowledged that the technology is still evolving, but the avatars are an integral part of the eight-week program.
The use of AI in education is not entirely new, but this bootcamp represents a significant step forward in integrating virtual avatars into high-stakes learning environments. By allowing students to face a simulated version of a real investor, HBS is pushing the boundaries of experiential learning. The avatars can be programmed to ask tough questions, interrupt, or even show subtle cues like a skeptical frown. This level of detail helps students prepare for the unpredictable nature of real pitch meetings.
Of course, there are concerns about the ethical implications of creating digital replicas of real people without their consent. Bussgang, however, seems to have embraced the idea, even if he finds his own copy a bit unsettling. "It's strange to see yourself as an AI, but if it helps students learn, I'm all for it," he said. The program is still in its early stages, and feedback from both students and mentors will shape its future iterations.
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