Investors Fire. Owners Hire.

A recent analysis of two companies in the fund administration industry reveals that while AI can reduce labor intensity, total employment can still increase when firms leverage growth capital. Two companies stand out: Company A, with 88 employees (47% increase) and a short median tenure, and Company B, with 326 employees (96% increase) and a similar short tenure.

Both companies heavily promote their use of AI and advanced technology. However, Company B's workforce expanded five and a half times more than Company A's, resulting in a workforce three and a half times larger. The ownership difference plays a crucial role in understanding the employment story. Company B received substantial growth investment from a strategic investor, which enabled rapid scaling of services, geographic expansion, and increased sales and marketing, leading to the significant workforce growth.

In contrast, Company A remains independent and financed its growth differently, focusing on technology and operational leverage to achieve profitable growth and maintain independence. The data suggests that AI can reduce labor intensity while employment grows, as evidenced by the potential scenario where an admin team once requiring 100 employees to support 100 funds could now support the same workload with 70 employees.

However, both companies are at different points in their growth strategies, employing AI differently to harness the productivity gains and achieve their objectives.