#317: The Release of OpenClaw, Leveraging AI Agents, and How Investors Can Stay Ahead Of The AI "Curve" with TJ Burns

Feb 17, 2026

TJ Burns, real estate investor and founder of Burns Capital Partners with a tech background. He explains why OpenClaw marks a shift from prompt tools to autonomous AI agents. Conversations cover risks of open-source agents, how to prepare your firm with SOPs and documentation, and near-term uses like lending, underwriting, and SDR workflows.

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INSIGHT

Agents Replace Tools

OpenClaw marks a shift from AI as a tool to AI as an autonomous agent that can replace computer-based roles.
Giving an AI its own “computer” lets it act autonomously across apps and workflows.

ADVICE

Avoid Self-Hosting Prematurely

Don't rush to self-host open-source agents unless you have strong technical security practices.
Wait for enterprise agent products that handle security, updates, and support if you're non-technical.

ADVICE

Document Roles And SOPs First

Build clear operating manuals and SOPs for each role so agents can follow them.
Store role definitions, preferences, and heartbeat rules to make future agent handoffs effective.

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In this episode, Axel is joined by longtime friend, business partner, and co-sponsor TJ Burns of Burns Capital Partners to break down one of the biggest developments in AI since the launch of ChatGPT: the release of OpenClaw.

The conversation explores how AI is moving beyond simple prompt-based tools into true agentic systems capable of operating autonomously inside a business. TJ explains what makes OpenClaw different from traditional large language models like ChatGPT and Claude, why this development matters for real estate operators, and how investors can prepare for what’s coming without getting distracted by hype.

They also dive into how AI adoption intersects with capital raising, LP transparency, and operational leverage and why the sponsors who embrace these tools intelligently will gain a long-term edge.

Be sure to pay attention to this episode so you can gain practical positioning: how to stay ahead of the curve without abandoning focus on your core business.

Join us as we dive into:

The difference between traditional LLMs and true AI agents
Why OpenClaw represents a major shift in AI capability
How AI agents can begin replacing computer-based roles
Why most non-technical operators shouldn’t rush to adopt open-source tools
How to prepare your business for AI without being distracted by hype
Why context and documentation are the key to future AI leverage
Real-world use cases in lending, underwriting, and SDR workflows
How capital raising has evolved in a more crowded sponsor landscape
Why transparency and authenticity matter more than ever for LPs

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Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Connect with TJ:

Follow him on Instagram
Connect with him on Linkedin
Learn more about Burns Capital

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