Don't Feed The Algorithm: Issue 004

🐊 Editor's Note

Hey there,

Welcome back to another Don’t Feed The Algorithm, your weekly dispatch from Averi.

It feels like every week there’s a new tool, a new shortcut, a new way to move faster.

But in the middle of all the noise, the brands that are breaking through aren’t the ones yelling the loudest. They’re the ones you actually feel something for.

In an AI-driven world, real connection is the flex. Human-first branding isn’t just a perk—it’s the moat… what separates you from the noise of the masses.

This week is about building things that last. Brands that feel alive. Teams that move with precision. Strategies that actually mean something.

Because fast is good. But trust? Trust is everything.

Let’s build.

— ZC & The Averi Team

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📝 The Good Sh*t

Human-First Branding in an AI World

Picture this: a world where every brand sounds the same.

We're living through the great AI homogenization of marketing—where technology has made it effortless to create content, but increasingly difficult to create connection.

In the rush to automate and scale, we're witnessing a crisis of brand humanity. A slow, subtle erasure of what makes brands worth caring about in the first place: their distinctive human element.

So how can you create a brand that is human in AI dominated world?

1. How to Build a Brand People Trust → Read online

2. How to Build a Modern Marketing Team Without Hiring Full-Time → Read online

🔥 In Case You Missed It…

• IBM Commits $150B to U.S. Manufacturing and Quantum Computing
  IBM has announced a $150 billion investment in the United States over the next five years, aiming to support domestic manufacturing and advance quantum computing technology. Over $30 billion will be allocated specifically to expanding U.S. manufacturing of quantum computers and mainframes used in data-intensive and critical operations. ​

• Huawei Unveils Ascend 910D AI Chip to Rival Nvidia
  Huawei Technologies is preparing to test its most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chip, the Ascend 910D, aiming to provide a domestic alternative to Nvidia's high-end AI processors like the H100. Despite U.S. sanctions and equipment restrictions, Huawei continues to advance China's semiconductor capabilities.

• Palo Alto Networks Acquires Protect AI for $650M–$700M
  Palo Alto Networks announced its acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Protect AI as the RSA Conference commenced in San Francisco. The deal, estimated between $650 million and $700 million, enhances Palo Alto’s cybersecurity platform through advanced AI solutions and talent.​

• One in Four Workers Fear AI Will Replace Their Jobs
  A recent poll by Acas, a UK workplace advisory body, reveals that 26% of workers fear that AI could lead to job losses. Other concerns include AI making errors (17%) and the impact of inadequate regulation (15%). ​

• Apple Plans to Shift All U.S. iPhone Production to India by 2026
  Apple is set to double its iPhone production in India and relocate all manufacturing for the U.S. market to the country by the end of 2026. This strategic move aims to reduce dependence on China, amid rising production costs.

• Tech Stocks Dip Amid Tariff Concerns and Earnings Reports
  U.S. stocks declined on Monday, with the S&P 500 dropping 0.8%, the Dow Jones falling 0.4%, and the Nasdaq slipping 1.1%, ending a four-day winning streak. The pullback follows recent market gains and precedes a critical week with potential for volatility due to earnings reports from major tech firms and economic updates.

🗓️ Make Friends

• IBM Think 2025 | Boston, MA | May 5–8, 2025 | → Register

• EmTech AI 2025 | Cambridge, MA | May 5–7, 2025 | → Register

• Startup CPG AI Mixer | Online | May 9, 2025 | → Register 

• Fintech & AI Founders Showcase | San Francisco, CA | May 6 | → Register

• AI Tech Walk | New York, NY | May 2 | → Register

• HealthTech Startups Dinner Club | New York, NY | May 5 | → Register

💼 Don’t Let AI Replace You

• Salesforce
  Position: Account Executive – AI Solutions
  Location: San Francisco, CA
  Details: Salesforce is expanding its sales team by 2,000 to promote its AI product "Agentforce," designed to handle customer service tasks and reduce human intervention. This role focuses on selling AI-driven solutions to clients.

• World Bank Group
  Position: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialist
  Location: Washington, D.C.
  Details: The World Bank is seeking an AI/ML Specialist to design and implement innovative solutions that leverage data analytics for impactful decision-making in global development projects.

• ByteDance
  Position: AI Researcher – TikTok Features
  Location: San Jose, CA
  Details: ByteDance is expanding its AI footprint in California, with teams working on integrating AI features into TikTok. The role focuses on developing and enhancing AI-driven functionalities for the platform.

• Coinbase
  Position: Product Marketing Manager
  Location: Remote
  Details: Coinbase is looking for a strong PMM to lead the growth of their developer community initiatives. You will be responsible for scaling builder community engagement through social, hackathon / meetups / events, paid, and product GTM campaigns.

• Plaid
  Position: Product Marketing Manager
  Location: San Francisco, CA
  Details: Plaid is looking for an experienced PMM to join their SF team and shape go-to-market strategies, influence product development, drive industry and customer awareness and ensure every initiative you drive contributes to product success.

• RobinAI
  Position: Staff Applied Scientist
  Location: New York, NY
  Details: RobinAI is looking to double its workforce by hiring approximately 220 new employees. The company specializes in legal AI software, aiming to transform the legal industry through technology.

📺 The Algorithm Could Never

Porsche – “Nobody’s Perfect” (1986)
Nobody is perfect… but Porsche is pretty d*mn close.

Why We Love It:
After Porsche’s historic (but not quite flawless) win at the 1986 Le Mans 24 Hours — where their cars placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd — Porsche ran an ad featuring the race results board… with the number “1” humorously corrected to "0" using Wite-Out.
No tagline. No shouting. Just swagger, humility, and brand identity at its finest.

It’s proof that real brand love isn’t algorithmic — it’s earned, and a little bit humanly imperfect.

🦄 Averi Stories & Startup Spotlight

Sitch: The AI Matchmaker Bringing Human Touch Back to Dating

Sitch is redefining the online dating experience by combining artificial intelligence with personalized matchmaking. Unlike traditional swipe-based apps, Sitch offers users a curated selection of potential matches, emphasizing quality over quantity. Their AI-driven approach aims to foster meaningful connections by understanding users' preferences and behaviors.​

The Backstory: Founded in 2024 by Nandini Mullaji and Chad DePue, Sitch emerged from the founders' desire to address the fatigue and inefficiencies associated with conventional dating apps. With a background in technology and a passion for human connection, they envisioned a platform that leverages AI to enhance, rather than replace, the nuances of human matchmaking.​

Key Innovation: Sitch's platform utilizes advanced AI algorithms to analyze user data and preferences, delivering a tailored list of potential matches. By focusing on compatibility and user intent, Sitch aims to increase the likelihood of meaningful relationships. The platform's emphasis on curated matches over endless swiping sets it apart in the crowded online dating market.​

💡Ask Averi

AI + Human Marketing Tip

Strategy You Can Steal

Run a “No-Scroll” Test Before You Launch Anything

Here’s something I’d do if I were on your team:
Before you publish a landing page, campaign, or new offer, screenshot just the top 800px — no scroll, no extras.

Then ask:

• Is the value instantly clear?

• Is there tension or curiosity?

• Would you keep reading?

If not, go back. Tighten the copy. Move the CTA. Add contrast.
Your scroll depth is only as strong as your first impression.

— Averi

This Week’s Prompt Highlight

“Write launch copy for a sleep app that sounds like it was written after two glasses of wine.”

Yes, someone actually tried that—and Averi delivered lines that felt effortless, warm, and human. Proof that sometimes the right tone unlocks the right conversions.

🏆 Expert of the Week

Did You Know? — 74% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from a brand that shows “human qualities”—even in AI-powered experiences.

Til next time,

DFTA

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