AI Pathfinder for Private Equity Podcast
I'm on a mission to guide private equity from AI uncertainty to empowerment by building a network for successful AI adoption. It's giving me firsthand access to PE leaders and experts across the AI value chain.
AI Pathfinder for Private Equity Podcast
Dan Thompson: Using AI to Solve Forecasting’s Hidden Problems
Summary
In this episode of the AI Pathfinder for Private Equity podcast, host Steve Budd speaks with Dan Thompson, CEO of Kluster, about the critical role of accurate forecasting in private equity. They discuss the challenges faced by private equity firms in forecasting, the concept of private equity grade forecasting, and how Kluster's unique approach leverages AI and data integration to enhance forecasting accuracy. The conversation also touches on the importance of data quality, the dynamics between private equity firms and their portfolio companies, and the future of forecasting in the industry.
Takeaways
- Accurate forecasting is crucial for private equity firms
- Different stakeholders have varying definitions of forecasts
- AI can significantly enhance forecasting accuracy and insights
- Data quality is often a major barrier to effective forecasting
- Sales cycles are lengthening, impacting revenue predictions
- Standardising forecasting definitions across teams is essential
- The future of forecasting may involve more autonomous systems
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Private Equity
00:54 The Importance of Accurate Forecasting
03:07 Challenges in Forecasting
06:41 Understanding Private Equity Grade Forecasting
08:28 Kluster's Unique Approach to Forecasting
12:08 Data Management and Its Impact on Forecasting
14:14 Changing Behaviors in Data Capture
17:06 Surprising Patterns in Sales Data
21:13 The Dynamic Between PE Firms and PortCos
23:55 Turning Forecasts into Action
25:34 Raising the Forecasting Game
27:54 The Future of Forecasting
31:23 Incorporating External Factors into Forecasting
Links
Dan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-thompson-kluster/
Kluster website: https://www.kluster.com/
AI Pathfinder Private Equity AI Strategy Meet-ups:
https://www.aipathfinder.co/ai-strategy-day
https://www.aipathfinder.co/breakfast-briefings
Have a question or would like to suggest improvements, please contact steve@aipathfinder.co