AI team build for a global alternative investment firm
Our client is one of the world’s leading private multi-asset alternative investment firms, with over $200bn in assets under management across private equity (PE), credit, public equity, venture capital and real estate.
It engaged InX to hire its inaugural European AI lead and build a wider team around that hire: a specialist sub-team inside its portfolio group, working alongside company management, its internal deal and portfolio teams, and external advisors and suppliers.
The challenge: building AI capability from scratch across a multi-sector portfolio
The team’s purpose is to ensure the client’s European portfolio companies have modern and effective AI capabilities. It partners with generalist colleagues to identify and implement specific AI and advanced analytics use cases that drive significant business value.
The planned structure is three to four executive-level AI pod leaders, with a natural hierarchy and a sector or functional overlay, supported by a lean group of forward deployed engineers and external leverage. Because the portfolio spans multiple sectors, the search had to cast a wide net. Candidates needed AI leadership experience, technical training and relevant sector orientation, along with prior exposure to PE or top-tier consulting wherever possible.
The InX solution: a multi-pool search for AI leadership
500+ executives identified with AI leadership experience, technical training and relevant business or sector orientation
Four talent pools researched and engaged:
AI teams in consulting and AI-focused technology firms
Leading commercial AI and data analytics teams across industry
Big Tech and AI-native brands
Investment firms with active AI and data analytics capabilities
The result: a team taking shape across every pod leader role
The build is well under way, with progress at every level of the structure:
One pod lead secured: a former deployment strategist at a leading AI software company, now a PE AI operator
Two finalists at assessment for the second and third pod leader roles
Four executives shortlisted and moving through early, mid and final rounds for the remaining positions
Partner with InX
Building an AI capability across a portfolio and need leaders who have worked in a PE setting? InX combines broad market mapping with direct access to the talent most firms can’t reach. Get in touch.