The Emerging Paradigm of AI-Augmented Workflows
Emerging startup examples show a consistent trend in UI/UX, pointing to a unified approach in AI-powered collaboration tools. AI-driven collaboration will reshape white-collar work.
Introduction
When ChatGPT first launched, it was immediately clear that AI would be big. The technology felt like magic—users could ask it any type of question and receive a cogent response, almost as if something alive was inside the machine. This wasn't just a tool; it felt like we had created a living organism, capable of understanding and responding to our queries. The experience was so striking that it was obvious AI would transform how we work and interact with technology.
However, for a long time, it was unclear how exactly we would use AI. Innovative entrepreneurs tried a lot of different ways to integrate AI into their products. Some attempts were more successful than others. Many of the initial implementations focused on searching for information with a chatbot, but this approach only worked so-so.
But lately, things have become clearer.
The New Paradigm: AI as a Collaborative Partner
Based on countless demos I have seen from AI startups, I am starting to see a common pattern for working with AI emerging. The new workflow is not just using AI to search for information but integrating AI into workflows to actively produce and refine content. The new approach sees AI as an ongoing collaborative partner within workflows, not just as a tool for retrieving data. I will provide examples for this new paradigm in three areas: coding, legal, and investment finance.
The Zed Example: A Glimpse into the Future of Coding
One example of this new paradigm in action is Zed AI. Zed, in collaboration with Anthropic AI, has integrated AI into the coding process in a novel way. This isn't about just automating tasks—it's about redefining the role of the coder in a way that maximizes both human creativity and AI efficiency.
Zed AI brings Large Language Models (LLMs) directly into the code editor with a text-centric approach. Instead of manually writing every line of code, users can instruct the LLM to draft an initial version in an input field. The output is then displayed in another window, where the user can directly edit it or prompt the LLM to make further refinements. This method shifts the coder’s role from being the sole creator to being a guide and collaborator with the AI.
Screenshot of Zed AI’s interface showing the input window on the right and output window on the left.
Harvey: Changing Legal Workflows
Harvey’s AI acts as a sparring partner for legal professionals, offering a collaborative approach to legal workflows. The platform allows users to interact with AI through an input window where they can submit legal queries or document review requests. The AI then generates outputs such as summaries, draft responses, or identifies key issues within the documents.
Screenshot of Harvey’s interface showing the input field at the top left and the output field at the top right.
Harvey also provides the ability to link files and documents directly within the platform. For example, during a due diligence process, a lawyer can upload contracts, and Harvey AI will identify red flags, generate detailed reports, and suggest necessary revisions. This setup allows the legal professional to engage with the AI’s output, make adjustments, and refine the results, mirroring the collaborative coding experience provided by Zed AI.
OpenBB: AI-Powered Investment Research
OpenBB offers another example of AI as a collaborative partner, this time in the field of investment research. OpenBB provides an AI-powered financial assistant, known as OpenBB Copilot, which integrates directly into the investment research workflow. Unlike traditional AI tools that primarily focus on retrieving information, OpenBB Copilot allows users to engage in deeper, ongoing analysis.
Screenshot of OpenBB’s interface, showing the input query from the user at the top right and the AI’s response on the bottom left.
With OpenBB, users can interact with financial data using natural language queries, generate instant summaries, and create custom dashboards with widgets that present real-time data. The Copilot doesn’t just provide answers; it helps users refine their investment theses, update reports, and create charts—all within a collaborative environment that evolves as new data is integrated. OpenBB’s AI exemplifies this shift from AI being a simple search tool to becoming a comprehensive partner in the investment research process. By integrating AI into the entire workflow, OpenBB enables financial professionals to make more informed decisions faster and with greater confidence.
Opportunities for Founders
Understanding this new paradigm for working with AI is crucial for founders because it significantly reduces the risk associated with building companies in this space. With examples like those in coding, law, and investment finance, it's clear that this collaborative model for AI is not limited to these fields. This represents a massive opportunity for founders. They can develop AI-powered solutions tailored to different industries—whether in healthcare, education, consulting, or beyond. The opportunity to create category-defining companies in these spaces is immense.
Conclusion
The rise of AI-augmented workflows is reminiscent of the introduction of calculators into the workplace. Before calculators, tasks like accounting, engineering calculations, and data analysis were time-consuming and required significant manual effort. Professionals relied on slide rules, abacuses, and manual calculations, which not only took more time but also left room for human error.
When calculators became widely available, they didn’t replace accountants or engineers; instead, they transformed how these professionals worked. Routine calculations that once took hours could now be completed in seconds, allowing professionals to focus on higher-level problem-solving, analysis, and strategic thinking. The calculator didn’t eliminate the need for human expertise; it enhanced it, making work more efficient and less error-prone.
Similarly, AI is now poised to change white-collar jobs in much the same way. By automating routine tasks, AI allows professionals to shift their focus to more complex, creative, and strategic aspects of their work. Just as the calculator enabled a new level of productivity in the 20th century, AI is enabling a new level of collaboration and efficiency in the 21st century. Professionals are no longer bogged down by mundane tasks—they can now partner with AI to achieve more, faster, and with greater accuracy.
If you are a founder building in this space, reach out! My email address is fabian AT frontier.ventures.