The AI gold rush is pulling private wealth into riskier, earlier bets

# What You Need to Know Rich families are skipping traditional venture capital firms and investing directly in early-stage AI companies, betting big on unproven startups in hopes of larger returns. This shift means wealthy investors are taking on much riskier bets than they normally would, moving beyond passive money-on-the-sidelines roles to actively help shape these fledgling AI businesses. Essentially, the excitement around AI has made even conservative investors willing to gamble on companies that may not survive.