Gunderson trains new partners in sales as AI changes the client interface

On September 24, Reuters reported that Gunderson Dettmer had put its nine newest partners through a business-development boot camp covering pitching, personal brands, client scenarios and firm economics. The roughly 400-lawyer firm is also developing an AI tool that would alert partners to changes among client executives and propose an introductory email. For BD leaders, the combination matters: relationship data produces value only when partners have the judgment and habits to act on it. Firms should measure whether prompts lead to timely, relevant contact rather than more automated outreach, because poorly targeted activity can erode the trust the system is intended to strengthen.