The Evolving Role of AI in M&A Dealmaking: What’s Next?
Corporate and private equity dealmakers from Vizient, Inc., BCG and Trajectory Capital weigh in on AI’s transformative potential and challenges for M&A dealmaking.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually transforming the way mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals are done, enhancing efficiency, accuracy and decision-making. According to our recent 2025 Dealmakers Sentiment Report, nearly half of survey respondents expect AI usage to greatly increase this year. But how can dealmakers effectively harness AI’s full potential while addressing challenges such as resistance to change or misconceptions about AI’s capabilities?
In our recent “AI Trends and the Future of Intelligent Dealmaking” webinar hosted by SS&C Intralinks’ VP, Alternative Investments, Sales, Andrew Welch, a panel of senior corporate and private equity (PE) dealmakers from Vizient, Inc., BCG Capital and Trajectory Capital shared their insights about AI’s evolving impact on the M&A dealmaking lifecycle. Their discussion covered how AI will impact the identification of acquisition targets, enhance and expedite due diligence as well as help deal teams manage regulatory and cybersecurity risks.
Here are five key insights from their discussion:
AI’s ROI and value potential
Michael Frankel, co-founder and managing partner at Trajectory Capital, explains in this clip, how AI is touching every phase of the dealmaking lifecycle, from deal sourcing to due diligence and valuations. By integrating AI tools, dealmakers can accelerate processes and uncover insights that were previously too complex or time-consuming to analyze.
AI's role in due diligence
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In this clip, Nav Rajput, corporate development leadership, Vizient, Inc., highlights how AI is increasing due diligence efficiency. AI tools can rapidly filter and process data which helps dealmakers identify key patterns, risks and opportunities within tight diligence deadlines. This enables investment teams to allocate more time to strategic evaluation rather than spending countless hours sifting through raw data.
AI misconceptions and areas for potential
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Frankel addresses common misconceptions about AI in clip, such as the belief that the technology will replace human oversight entirely. He emphasizes that AI is a support tool to handle repetitive tasks and provide actionable insights that free up dealmakers to focus on strategic decision-making and other high-value tasks in the deal lifecycle.
Addressing resistance to change
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AI adoption isn’t just about technology, it’s about the people who will be using it. As Clark O’Niell, managing director and partner at BCG Capital, explains resistance to change is one of the most common challenges for firms looking to implement AI, especially among senior leadership who are accustomed to traditional processes. O’Niell emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a culture of experimentation and demonstrating personal engagement with AI tools as ways to encourage teams to embrace the new.
The importance of human-AI collaboration
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O’Niell says AI is not here to replace dealmakers or analysts — it’s here to offer them a productivity boost. AI is increasingly becoming a standard tool to help dealmakers navigate deal complexities and optimize decision-making. It can’t be overstated just how much importance human oversight and judgement have in this process. This collaboration between human expertise and AI innovation will define M&A’s next chapter.
What’s next for AI in dealmaking?
AI is already transforming M&A deals, giving dealmakers tools to enhance productivity, streamline due diligence and reveal new opportunities. Yet successful AI integration requires teams to balance innovation with human judgment and expertise.
By addressing resistance to change and leveraging AI in areas with the most potential, dealmakers can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic M&A market. The future of AI in dealmaking isn’t about replacing humans with AI. It’s about creating a powerful partnership between the two for a boost in efficiency and speed.
Watch the full AI Trends and the Future of Intelligent Dealmaking webinar to find out more about how AI can transform the deal process while maintaining the critical human element.