[TheJCDenton]

It seems that another round is necessary, and VCs want AI. You and the CEO are competent and transparent. This is the premises.

You just need to have the conversation with the CEO, but in the right order.

Come to him/her with objective data, but without your conclusions or concerns, just your observations about where this is headed and if he sees at what rate this AI focus is eating ressources. Ask the CEO what it means for the company. Let him/her do the talking.

From this point, the CEO have the data and you have the company policy. Know you can talk on equal grounds on the matter with him or her. Good luck.