Antler Elevate, Antler’s US$285 million Series A+ fund, has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in AI-native startups that are redefining application-layer software. A
As AI continues to revolutionise the sector, Antler Elevate believes that AI-native companies will develop software that is ten times more efficient than existing solutions, and at an unprecedented pace.
Advancements in AI have moved beyond automating basic, rules-based tasks. AI now processes vast amounts of structured and unstructured data, offering insights, generating recommendations, and executing complex tasks with increasing autonomy.
This transformation allows AI-native startups to deliver significantly more capable software and a vastly improved user experience.
Chris Millisits, Partner at Antler Elevate, highlighted the disruptive potential of AI-driven software:
“AI-native startups have this wow factor that wins over early customers. At the root of this wow factor – the AI does complex tasks that would normally take multiple people working on them full-time.”
Antler Elevate is particularly interested in startups that prioritise automation at the core of their software. While AI-assisted tools enhance existing workflows, fully automated AI solutions offer a tenfold improvement in efficiency.
The firm is actively seeking to support founders who are driving towards this vision of full automation, rather than merely leveraging AI for incremental gains.
Antler Elevate has identified fintech as a key sector poised for AI-driven transformation. AI is already streamlining critical processes across various verticals.
In accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) automation, AI-powered solutions are improving invoice generation, payment processing, and revenue reporting.
Within accounting and tax, startups are using AI to enhance bookkeeping, reconciliation, and financial reporting.
Financial institutions are also benefiting from AI in research and financial analysis, where AI agents are automating data processing and memo generation.
Similarly, AI is optimising know-your-customer (KYC) and onboarding processes by expediting customer due diligence, automating onboarding reviews, and assisting with regulatory compliance.
Regulatory compliance itself is another area where AI is driving efficiency, enabling real-time monitoring and adherence to complex financial regulations.
In auditing, AI-powered tools are being used to detect fraud, generate reports, and prepare evidence.
Meanwhile, the insurance sector is rapidly adopting AI to automate claims processing and underwriting, significantly reducing manual effort.
Wealth management is also undergoing a transformation, with AI optimising portfolio management, investment advisory services, and customer communications.
AI-driven automation is enhancing efficiency for both financial institutions and their clients, paving the way for a more seamless and intelligent financial ecosystem.
Featured image credit: edited from freepik
