The 10X Human Theory

January 21, 2025

Hi friends,

There’s been a lot of conversation about AI replacing humans, but here at Flybridge, we’re more focused on how AI can amplify human potential. The way we see it, AI is evolving into a tool that enables each of us to become far more effective in our chosen fields, an idea I call the 10X Human Theory.

Years ago, cloud computing preceded the notion of the “10X Engineer.” Now, with AI, we’re on the cusp of “10X Humans” across every domain in life. Teachers, parents, coaches, creators, and doctors, among many others. Rather than threatening to supersede what we do, AI has shown itself capable of enhancing our abilities, helping us spend time on the tasks that truly require our unique insights, empathy, and creativity.

Parenting is a great example (and near to my heart). No one wants an algorithm dictating how children should be raised. Yet it’s easy to appreciate how AI can serve as a valuable guide for discovering local educational events, optimizing hectic schedules, finding extracurricular activities that match your child’s strengths, and helping parents preserve memorable milestones with minimal effort. AI, in this context, can act as a companion that narrows your options to the best ones, so your energy can go toward supporting your kids.

This idea extends naturally to other fields, too. Teachers could leverage AI-driven feedback tools to pinpoint where each student struggles, adapting lesson plans so that nobody falls behind. Coaches, whether in sports or personal development, might rely on advanced data analytics to track progress and tailor regimens to individual players. Creators can focus more on ideation and artistry, while algorithms handle time-intensive tasks like research or editing. Doctors, for their part, would be able to diagnose ailments with greater confidence, aided by ML models that sift through massive data sets to identify subtle patterns in patient symptoms.

In all these examples, one theme stands out. AI creates efficiency without stripping away the defining human qualities that make our work worthwhile. In other words, the best AI tools fit right into your routine, saving you from busywork and guiding you toward better-informed decisions.

When evaluating companies that build AI solutions at Flybridge, we adhere to a few core principles that keep technology rooted in human-centered values:

1. Enhancement > Replacement

We look for platforms designed to augment individual or team capabilities, not replace them. AI should handle repetitive tasks that don’t require nuance, allowing people to devote themselves to high-impact activities that leverage human instincts and empathy.

2. Invisible Integration Into Natural Workflows

The most effective AI slips into existing processes, freeing you from tedious steps without requiring a major overhaul of how you work or live. It’s the difference between a well-placed efficiency tool and a clunky system that demands you adapt to its rules.

3. Respect For Human Judgment

Even if a machine can process vast amounts of data at lightning speed, it cannot replicate human judgment (as we know of, yet). The final call still belongs to the humans in the loop.

The notion of “AI taking over” makes for great headlines, but it’s a limited view. At Flybridge, we believe we’re witnessing the birth of tools that enable people to do more of what they love and to do it better, faster, and more creatively. Whether you’re a parent juggling endless tasks or a professional pushing the boundaries of your field, AI can shift you from operating at 1X to 10X.

Stay tuned for more on the 10X Human Theory. We’re excited to see the possibilities unfold. And to continue supporting founders who are helping us all reach our full potential.

📚 Jeff Bussgang, GP at Flybridge, wrote an essay titled “The AI Dividend.” Jeff argues that, similar to the “cloud dividend” over a decade ago, 2025 will be the year of a surge in killer AI apps.

🎙️ The Pitch recently dropped its Season 12 Finale, where host Josh Muccio reveals the behind-the-scenes story of what happened after those high-stakes deals. I jumped in to invest in a few myself, and I’ll be back in Season 13.

🚀 Andrew Yeung, Partner at Flybridge’s Next Wave NYC, just announced Fibe, a tech events and media company that unites Andrew’s Mixers, The Junto Series, Lumos House, and more. Andrew is a partner at Flybridge’s Next Wave NYC.

💰 Next Wave NYC is a pre-seed venture fund run by some of the best and brightest founders and operators from the last decade of the New York City startup scene. If you’re an early-stage founder in NYC, let me know and I’d be happy to connect you.

Finally, if you’re building or investing in an AI-driven future, reply to this email with a brief message. If you’re local to NYC, I’d love to connect in person over coffee. I’m always eager to hear about new ideas and opportunities.

– Jesse Middleton

General Partner at Flybridge