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Private Equity’s AI Moment: The Greatest Value Lever in Decades — and the Hardest to Pull

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4 months ago

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The following article is authored by Neil Dhar, Senior Vice President, IBM Consulting Americas

ARMONK, N.Y., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Next week at Think 2026, we’ll outline the forces shaping the Enterprise AI Race, forces that apply with particular urgency to private equity. The organizations gaining ground today are not the ones betting on a single model. They are the ones redesigning how their businesses operate, building hybrid architectures that give them control, and deploying AI in ways that orchestrate value that compounds over time. 

The private equity industry understands this better than most. The days of pilots and promises are over, and the demand for hard proof (a.k.a. ROI) has begun. Is your revenue accelerating? Can you drive efficiency and profitability at the same time? What does long-term growth look like? These are the questions sitting across the table at every board meeting and investment committee, and the pressure is only intensifying.  

This pressure has forced major PE firms to move aggressively to formalize their AI strategies, including exploring joint ventures with leading LLM companies. They’re making a calculated bet on AI as the most powerful value‑creation lever the industry has seen in its history, and they recognize that the window to move is now. 

The logic is unmistakable. PE firms don’t run single businesses, they run portfolios. Which means AI playbooks that work don’t just transform one company; they compound across ten, twenty, fifty, hundreds. A workflow reinvented once becomes a repeatable asset. A governance framework built once becomes portfolio infrastructure. That multiplier effect is native to how PE creates value, and it’s what makes the intersection of private equity and enterprise AI one of the most consequential arenas in business right now. 

The bet is a no-brainer. Execution is where it gets hard.  

Here’s what we know to be true: competitive advantage won’t come from betting on a single LLM. It will come from building AI tailored to your business, shifting to a hybrid strategy that combines custom models, foundation models, and smaller specialized models, all grounded in an architecture that connects your data, your workflows, and your intelligence. In private equity, where the same playbook has to work across an entire portfolio, that distinction isn’t academic. It’s the difference between value that compounds and value that stalls. 

We know this because we lived it. We turned our own operations into the proving ground, analyzing nearly 400 operational workflows and deploying AI solutions across more than 100 so far, coupled with AI governance and enablement.

The result was $4.5B in productivity gains from AI, hybrid cloud, automation and consulting expertise, and proof of what works.

We then took that proof and productized those validated workflows into IBM Enterprise Advantage, a first-of-its-kind asset-based consulting service that enables clients to build and operate their own tailored internal AI platform at scale.

With digital workers, prebuilt tools, and native governance, clients have a headstart rather than a blank slate. And because it’s multi-model, they retain the freedom to shift as technology evolves. For private equity, that flexibility determines whether a company is an asset or a liability at exit. 

We’re bringing this same approach to private equity-backed companies, where the defining question is what changed and can you prove it.

A major U.S. telecommunications provider is deploying digital workers and prebuilt AI tools from Enterprise Advantage to accelerate the migration of more than 150 critical applications, delivering measurable savings within two quarters.Working with a leading insurance administrator, IBM is using agentic AI to overhaul end-to-end claims processing, a function where a single claim can involve dozens of tightly regulated steps across multiple systems. AI agents now read and structure claim documents, perform compliance checks, assess eligibility, and route cases automatically, resulting in faster cycle times, fewer bottlenecks, and an operating model built to scale. 

What private equity does here will ripple far beyond its own portfolios. When PE-backed companies deploy production-ready AI across the business, they reset competitive expectations for entire industries, forcing every competitor to respond. That is the Enterprise AI Race playing out in real time.

The choices made today will define portfolio performance for the next decade. Move too slowly and you’re handing the advantage to every competitor who didn’t. Move without discipline and you’re betting the portfolio on a foundation that hasn’t been proven. The firms that win will be the ones who understood that distinction early enough to do something about it.

About IBM 

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media contact: 

IBM
Lily O’Brien
lilyobrien@ibm.com

SOURCE IBM

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Hexaware and Ashoka Innovators Partner to Support Social Entrepreneurs in India

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32 minutes ago

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August 25, 2026

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Empowering two Ashoka Fellows with financial support, leadership training, and global exposure

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hexaware Technologies (NSE: HEXT), an AI-first digital and IT services company, today announced a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with Ashoka Innovators for the Public (India), a non-profit organization that supports leading social entrepreneurs addressing complex societal challenges.

Through the partnership, Hexaware will provide grant support to Ashoka for two social entrepreneurs selected through Ashoka’s Fellowship process in India. The fellowship stipends will allow selected Fellows to dedicate their time to developing and expanding sustainable solutions for long-term social change.

Ashoka identifies social entrepreneurs through a rigorous selection process that evaluates the originality of their ideas, entrepreneurial qualities, and potential to address systemic challenges. The Fellowship offers selected Fellows with leadership development, strategic guidance, peer-learning opportunities, and access to a global network of social entrepreneurs and collaborators.

“At Hexaware, we believe businesses have a role to play in contributing to society beyond technology and operations,” said Dr. Ramya Kannan, Vice President & Head – CSR, Hexaware. “Through our CSR initiatives, we support efforts that create opportunities and help strengthen communities. Our partnership with Ashoka allows us to stand behind social entrepreneurs who are working to build solutions that benefit people and society.”

Dr. Shruti Nair, Leader, Ashoka Innovators for the Public, India, said, “We are delighted to partner with Hexaware in supporting social entrepreneurs at pivotal moments in their journeys. The Ashoka Fellowship provides leaders with the freedom, network, and strategic support they need to scale their ideas and create lasting change. Along with these Ashoka Fellows, we hope to strengthen a new generation of changemakers working to build an ‘Everyone a Changemaker’ world.”

The collaboration brings together Hexaware’s commitment to responsible business practices and Ashoka’s experience in advancing social innovation.

About Hexaware

Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Every day, Hexawarians wake up with a singular purpose; to create smiles through great people and technology. With offices across the world, we empower enterprises worldwide to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, transform, run, and optimize their technology and business processes. Learn more about Hexaware at https://hexaware.com.

About Ashoka

Ashoka is one of the largest networks of social entrepreneurs, founded on the belief that the most powerful force for change is an idea in the hands of the right person. Through its Young Changemakers program, Ashoka nurtures a generation of youth who are solving social problems with empathy, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/hexaware-and-ashoka-innovators-partner-to-support-social-entrepreneurs-in-india-302859191.html

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Singapore Prepares to Host a Major Week for Offshore Energy as World Offshore Week 2026 Approaches

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32 minutes ago

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August 25, 2026

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SINGAPORE, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In just over four weeks, World Offshore Week 2026, part of the FPSO Network, will bring the offshore oil, energy and marine industries together at Singapore EXPO on 23–24 September 2026.

Free to register for industry professionals, the event will welcome 3,000+ participants, 100+ exhibitors and 70+ speakers, with eight free-to-attend exhibition-floor theatres covering offshore oil and gas, marine, renewables, digitalisation and decarbonisation.

With capacity becoming increasingly limited, industry professionals are encouraged to secure their free visitor pass today.

Register for your free World Offshore Week visitor pass

Across two days, discussions will explore vessel demand, shipyard capacity, offshore wind, decommissioning, asset integrity, cybersecurity, AI and decarbonisation.

The programme includes organisations such as PETRONAS, Woodside Energy, Eni, Hibiscus Petroleum, PT PLN, Seatrium, Noble, Hafnia, Cyan Renewables, Cadeler and Wood Mackenzie.

Three Major Industry Events in Singapore

World Offshore Week will be co-located with the 27th Annual FPSO World Congress and Energy 2040, bringing senior energy decision-makers to Singapore EXPO.

The FPSO World Congress will feature leaders from Petrobras, BW Offshore, Yinson Production, SBM Offshore, Hanwha Offshore and PTTEP, including Philip Huizenga, CEO, Carnarvon Energy; Mike McAreavey, CTO, BW Offshore; Bai Li Guo, CEO, Hanwha Offshore; and Markus Wenker, CFO, Yinson Production.

Energy 2040 will convene government, energy, regulatory, utility and LNG leaders to examine Asia’s energy security, affordability and transition.

Joining the programme is Josephine Moh, Senior Vice President and Head of Energy & Renewables, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), alongside Peter Govindasamy, Executive Director, Energy Studies Institute; Eugene Toh, Chief Commercial Officer & Assistant Chief Executive (Energy Technologies), Energy Market Authority; Andy R. Elliott, President, ExxonMobil LNG Asia Pacific; and Leong Wei Hung, CEO, Singapore LNG Corporation.

Organisations represented include EDB, Energy Market Authority, Chevron, ExxonMobil LNG Asia Pacific, Singapore GasCo, Singapore LNG Corporation, Cheniere Energy and JERA.

Together, the three events will bring the offshore and energy value chain to Singapore this September.

Secure your free visitor pass today

Find out more about World Offshore Week 2026

About World Offshore Week

World Offshore Week is Asia’s leading platform for the offshore oil, energy and marine sectors, connecting operators, EPCs, shipowners and technology providers.

The 2026 edition features eight exhibition-floor theatres and is co-located with Energy 2040 and FPSO World Congress.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/singapore-prepares-to-host-a-major-week-for-offshore-energy-as-world-offshore-week-2026-approaches-302859219.html

SOURCE FPSO Network

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Hollyland to Unveil New Solutions for Live Production and Content Creation at IBC 2026

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32 minutes ago

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August 25, 2026

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Highlights

Hollyland to showcase new solutions for professional live production and content creation at IBC 2026 Booth 11.C28.Pyro 7 Ultra combines professional monitoring and wireless video transmission in one monitor.Argus X1 brings switching, recording, monitoring, and streaming into one live production system.Solidcom C1 Air and Solidcom SE 2 expand Hollyland’s wireless intercom lineup.New creator solutions include the LARK A2 and LARK M3 wireless microphones and the VenusLiv Air 2 streaming camera.

AMSTERDAM, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hollyland, a global provider of professional wireless audio and video solutions, is set to introduce new solutions for professional live production and modern content creation at IBC 2026. From September 11 to 14, 2026, the company will showcase its expanded ecosystem at Booth 11.C28 in the RAI Amsterdam convention center, where visitors can explore its newest technologies and products scheduled for release later in 2026.

Expanding Live Production Portfolio

Hollyland continues to expand its product range with new solutions for professional production and content creation. At IBC 2026, the company will introduce new solutions for professional live production, designed to help production teams work more efficiently, reliably, and seamlessly in demanding environments. The new lineup includes the Pyro 7 Ultra professional wireless monitor, Argus X1 all-in-one live production switcher, and Solidcom C1 Air and Solidcom SE 2 intercom systems.

The Pyro 7 Ultra, launching on September 3, brings professional monitoring and wireless video transmission together in one 7-inch monitor. Professional productions have traditionally relied on separate wireless transmission systems and standalone field monitors, with additional cables between devices and separate power sources for each device. The Pyro 7 Ultra can serve as an on-camera monitor and transmitter, or as a handheld monitor and receiver for mobile viewing. Its QD-LCD display delivers exceptional color accuracy, with each unit factory-calibrated via Calman® to achieve a ΔE <1.5. Users can also recalibrate the display with the Hollyland Color Calibrator to maintain color accuracy over time. The system also offers 20ms latency, 1km transmission, unlimited receivers, 4K60 video transmission, and TWiFi technology.

Also debuting is Argus X1, an all‑in‑one live production switcher slated for release in December. Argus X1 consolidates switching, monitoring, recording, streaming, and content delivery into a single device. A 10.1‑inch FHD touchscreen provides intuitive control, while 4K60 video I/O and support for three Hollyland wireless transmitters expand its flexibility across multi‑camera workflows. Built‑in streaming, ISO recording, MultiView, and connectivity options including Wi‑Fi 6, 4G, and Gigabit Ethernet make Argus X1 a central hub within the Hollyland production ecosystem.

Two new intercom systems will also be introduced during the event. Solidcom C1 Air features an open‑ear design, a 42g headset, 300m wireless range, and dual‑microphone ENC for clean dialogue. Solidcom SE 2 adds intelligent frequency hopping, a 123g build, 20 dB ENC, 3.5mm audio I/O, and up to 10 hours of runtime, delivering stable performance for field and studio teams.

Empowering Modern Content Creation

Hollyland is also expanding its creator‑focused audio lineup with several new tools designed for modern podcasting and production. LARK A2, arriving in early September, offers 48 kHz/24‑bit recording, three‑level AI noise cancellation, a 200m range, and an 8.5g transmitter. Quick charging, AI power saving, intuitive controls, and a –6 dB safety track support dependable on‑the‑go capture.

Launching on September 22, the LARK M3 introduces flexible multi‑person recording with support for four transmitters and four receivers. It provides four‑track independent recording, 48 kHz/32‑bit float audio, vocal presets, 300m transmission and up to eight hours of use on a single charge. The LARK M3 is well suited for podcasts, interviews, video conversations, and multi-person content creation.

Rounding out the lineup, the VenusLiv Air 2 will arrive in November with 4K60 UVC streaming and SAR AI Tuning 2.0, while maintaining the core performance of the VenusLiv Air.

During IBC 2026, Hollyland will host Roll & Win giveaways from September 11–14. Visitors can participate for a chance to win Hollyland’s products and other prizes. On September 11, the company will unveil its new products, followed by an anniversary celebration that evening. Meanwhile, all showcased solutions will be available for hands‑on experience at Booth 11.C28 throughout the exhibition.

About Hollyland

Hollyland is a leading provider of wireless products, specializing in wireless intercom systems, video transmission systems, monitors, wireless microphones, and live streaming cameras. Since 2013, Hollyland has been serving millions of users around the world in various fields, including filmmaking, telecasting, video production, live events, exhibitions, theaters, houses of worship, and content creation. It has built a sales network covering approximately 160 countries and regions, supported by regional teams and offices worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.hollyland.com/, Hollyland Facebook, and Hollyland Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hollyland-to-unveil-new-solutions-for-live-production-and-content-creation-at-ibc-2026-302857874.html

SOURCE Hollyland

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