Why Data is the Peanut Butter to AI’s Jelly

Data on its own is just noise, but when you pair it with AI, it becomes the ultimate substance for decision-making. Andrew Lebbos joins the show to pull back the curtain on how Benzinga evolved from a 2009 media startup into a licensing powerhouse that fuels the world's biggest brokerages and AI models. We dive deep into why the new generation of investors is ditching traditional sites for short-form video and how prediction markets are changing the way we look at equities. Beyond the tech, Andrew shares the "intrapreneur" mindset and the sales discipline required to maintain a staggering 99% client retention rate. Whether you're a founder, a salesperson, or a retail investor, this conversation offers a masterclass in staying ahead of where the financial "puck" is going. KEY TAKEAWAYS Data and AI are Codependent: There is no AI without data, and data is significantly more powerful when processed by AI. Video is Essential: The new generation of investors consumes news primarily through social media and video, forcing brokerages to adapt. Quality Over Summaries: While AI tools are useful, professional investors still require raw, high-quality data and human logic for high-stakes decision-making. The Intrapreneur Advantage: You don't have to be a founder to be entrepreneurial; you can leverage an established brand's credibility to build massive revenue streams. Sales is About Empathy: The most successful salespeople focus on listening to client needs and maintaining genuine, long-term relationships. QUOTES "Data and AI... they're peanut butter and jelly in our world." "The output is only as strong as the input that they receive." "As long as decisions are made by humans, humans are going to need to see the raw data and deduct and reason." "Output equals input every single day." "We just want to put food on the table and build a really cool business that we can be proud of." 0:00 – The Synergy of Data and AI 2:15 – The Benzinga Story and Licensing Models 5:30 – Why the Bloomberg Terminal is Here to Stay 8:45 – Understanding Churn and Retention 11:20 – The Future of FinTech: Video & Prediction Markets 15:40 – The "Intrapreneur" Mindset 18:15 – Sales Mantras and Performance 22:10 – Where the Puck is Going Next GUEST INFO Andrew Lebbos  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lebbosandrew/ https://www.benzinga.com/ Book mentioned:  Push-Push-Push Never Quit https://amzn.to/4dHUQVJ About the Podcast Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom. Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective. Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent. Community & Contact Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k Fredrik Sandvall LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/