> very optimistic about their chances, and about their ability this is the very definition of due diligence...you don't take their opinions as fact. to answer

> very optimistic about their chances, and about their ability this is the very definition of due diligence...you don't take their opinions as fact. to answer how: * meet with their senior engineers * review code * talk to former colleagues * talk to former professors * review any academic papers, blogs, github repos * talk to customers or MVP users If you don't have the first hand ability to directly evaluate their AI technology, or an extended network who can assist, you should not be investing in AI startups.