Raising a Growth Round In the Age of AI

Christy Johnson joined the Atlanta Startup Podcast to discuss the challenges and opportunities of raising a growth round in today’s AI-driven economy with Lisa Calhoun. Lisa is the host of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, and the founder and managing partner of Valor Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm headquartered in Atlanta.

With capital markets evolving rapidly, founders need to position themselves strategically to attract investment while effectively integrating AI into their business models. The conversation explores how AI is reshaping investor expectations, the importance of performance engineering in scaling high-growth companies, and what it takes to stand out in a competitive fundraising landscape. Christy offers practical insights from her experience as an operator and an investor, focusing on how startups can – and should – harness AI to optimize operations, improve performance, and unlock new growth opportunities.

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The discussion focuses on how startups can integrate AI into their operations to drive scalability and investor interest. Christy outlines what growth-stage investors expect from AI-driven companies and how founders can position themselves to meet those criteria. She also explains the role of performance engineering in optimizing operations and ensuring companies scale efficiently. The conversation closes with a look at the current fundraising landscape, addressing how market conditions are shaping growth rounds and what founders should consider before raising capital.

Christy offers specific counsel on how responsible use of AI can help startups to accelerate their pace, scale effectively, and ensure the business is built for sustainable success. She observes, "embracing AI isn't just about technology—it's about reimagining your business strategy to unlock new growth avenues."

• Assess AI Opportunities Identify areas within your business where AI can drive efficiency and innovation.
• Align with Investor Goals Understand what growth-stage investors are prioritizing in AI-focused companies.
• Focus on Performance Implement performance engineering principles to ensure your company can scale efficiently.

This episode is essential listening for founders preparing to raise a growth round, startup operators looking to implement AI effectively, and investors seeking to understand how AI is influencing business fundamentals.

🎧 Raising a Growth Round in the Age of AI with Christy Johnson of BIP Capital