Private Equity
AI Benchmark Survey
The first AI Pathfinder Private Equity Benchmark Survey was conducted in September 2025. 47 responses were collected anonymously across a range of private equity firms, segmented by Assets Under Management (AUM), geographic focus, and portfolio company size. The survey covered ten core areas including AI maturity, governance, data readiness, current applications, barriers, outcomes, and 12‑month priorities.
Key findings from the survey:
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Early-stage adoption dominates: two-thirds of firms are still exploring or piloting AI; only 13% have scaled or reached strategic integration.
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Governance is ahead of maturity: two-thirds of firms report formal AI governance, often led by senior leadership or a dedicated AI team.
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Data readiness is the primary brake: more than 80% rate their data as only adequate or worse.
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Current value remains tactical: efficiency and faster decision-making dominate, while EBITDA uplift and portfolio-wide value are rare.
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The next 12 months: firms are prioritising due diligence, sourcing, and operational efficiency; value creation is secondary.
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For more information about this survey, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co
An AI generated 5-minute video summary of the findings is also available, courtesy of Notebook LM.