HBS's AI Avatar Startup Bootcamp: Digital Mentors for Investors

Harvard Business School is leveraging AI avatars from HeyGen in its $699 HBS Foundry bootcamp to provide digital feedback for entrepreneurs. The technology replaces live instructors during practice pitches and board meetings. New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler found that Flybridge Capital founder Jeff Bussgang and his AI replica both rejected her 'Uber for bananas' pitch, though the virtual version delivered a noticeably frozen smile. Program director Katharina Rings initially envisioned the AI component as a chatbot but found students preferred a more guided experience. Bussgang admitted the digital copy is 'creepy' but noted his students love it.

This technology could redefine traditional education models by digitizing mentor support, particularly for early-stage investors, while reducing costs and enhancing feedback quality.