Common Mistakes in AI Prompting

Unlocking the true potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in investment research starts with mastering the art of prompting. When crafted with precision, prompts can turn AI into a powerful ally. But even small missteps can lead to vague or unhelpful insights.

In this edition, we expand on the key principles introduced in previous newsletters—context, role assignment, clarity, constraints, articulating the desired outcomes, adaptability, and feedback loops. Our goal is to uncover common mistakes in AI prompting and provide actionable strategies to help you craft sharper, more impactful queries.

The Do’s and Don’ts of AI Prompting

One individual said to the spouse: "When you are at the grocery store, please buy a carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get six." Later, the shopper came back with six cartons of milk. Surprised, the first one said, "Why on earth did you buy six cartons of milk?"

"They had eggs."

The moral of the story? Precision matters! 

In our previous editions, we introduced the concept of AI agents—autonomous software tools capable of making decisions and performing tasks based on real-time data analysis. This week, we’re spotlighting Sekoia (Strategic Ecosystem Knowledge & Opportunity Investment Agent), a new tool operating on the Virtuals Platform.

Designed to focus on predictive analytics and strategic decision-making, Sekoia claims to leverage advanced machine learning to interpret real-time financial data, identify emerging trends, and offer potentially actionable insights tailored to individual user preferences. Sekoia aims to create on-chain venture capital agents and become the ecosystem fund of Virtuals.

Since its debut, Sekoia has gained significant traction among investors, particularly for its ability to increasingly integrate diverse data streams—such as macroeconomic indicators, corporate earnings reports, and sentiment analysis—into a cohesive narrative. Its standout feature lies in scenario modeling, enabling users to assess potential outcomes under varying market conditions. With a current market capitalization of over $45 million and more than 20,000 followers on X (formerlyTwitter), Sekoia continues to grow in influence.

However, it's important to approach AI agents like Sekoia with a critical eye. AI systems can sometimes produce outputs that appear coherent but are factually incorrect or nonsensical—a phenomenon known as "hallucination."

Therefore, while Sekoia offers powerful tools, it is better used alongside human expertise. By combining data-driven insights with critical thinking, users can mitigate risks associated with AI inaccuracies. This collaborative approach exemplifies how AI agents are evolving to meet the sophisticated demands of modern finance.

Stay tuned as we explore more innovations in AI and their potential to transform financial workflows in future editions!

Key Takeaway

The most common mistakes in AI prompting stem from unclear goals and lack of specificity. Avoid them by defining parameters, providing context, and narrowing the scope of analysis. The more targeted the prompt, the better the results.

Have examples of AI prompts that went awry? Share them with us at—your story might inspire our next edition!

Coming Up

In our next edition, we’ll delve into how effective AI prompting can help navigate 2025’s volatile markets with precision and confidence. From crafting prompts to uncover market trends to identifying potential opportunities amidst uncertainty, we’ll provide actionable insights to enhance your strategies. Additionally, we’ll continue our exploration of the evolving role of AI Agents, offering fresh perspectives on how they can amplify your decision-making. Stay tuned—this is one you won’t want to miss!

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