Will we still need Investment Bankers?
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
March 12, 2025 Hans J Apostel
Valuable thoughts found in "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from Stone Age to AI" by Yuval Noah Harari
Following the tremendous success of Yuval Noah Harari's books "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" and "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow," I delved into his latest work, "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from Stone Age to AI."
Starting with his concluding remarks—that information networks are only as wise as the humans who build and control them—I reflected on the overwhelming amount of information and data we encounter in a typical day.
Not long ago, an investment banker or headhunter relied heavily on their Rolodex, which represented a limited network of 50 to 100 professional relationships built on deep, lasting personal ties. These connections were essential for fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, or recruitment processes.
Today, the sheer volume of information and data necessitates increasingly specialized departmentalization. Artificial intelligence is now pervasive, often serving as a sophisticated tool to learn the patterns of recurring events. However, in the near future, AI is poised to take on more significant roles, determining how we perform various activities.
AI could potentially manage an entire M&A process—from identifying qualified buyers or sellers to conducting due diligence, analyzing cap tables and cash flow projections, and preparing valuations and presentations. It could autonomously handle the bidding process and secure the best deal. This raises the question: what role will investment bankers play in this scenario?
Indeed, just as in medical applications, scientific research, or supply chain planning, humans should focus their time—liberated by AI applications—on critical thinking, logical reasoning, and discerning which data are relevant, truthful, and life-changing for the better.
Disinformation and intentionally biased data still require the human mind to alert those who may be less informed or engaged in critical issues. The cover of "Nexus" features Cher Ami, the heroic army carrier pigeon that saved an entire American battalion during World War I, delivering handwritten coordinates when they were trapped behind German lines. This serves as a reminder that sometimes breakthroughs come not from powerful weapons or advanced computers, but from creative, out-of-the-box thinking that addresses the core of our problems and challenges.
