The AI Fix for Private Equity (Paperback)

"The AI Fix for Private Equity" is the definitive guide for fund managers, operating partners, and portfolio company executives aiming to harness artificial intelligence for superior returns. This book provides a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for integrating AI across the entire investment lifecycle.

From pre-deal due diligence and 100-day planning to long-term value creation and preparing for a profitable exit, we demystify AI and provide practical frameworks. Learn how to identify credible AI opportunities, avoid common pitfalls, and build a data-driven culture that accelerates growth and maximizes enterprise value.

Gary is a seasoned technology CEO, board director, and former Royal Air Force officer who made the improbable leap from marine navigation to air traffic control, and from software tester to public company CEO, sometimes by design, often by sheer refusal to stay in his lane.With over 25 years in the software and technology trenches, Gary has led turnarounds and driven growth in global markets. As CEO and COO of an ASX-listed technology company, he orchestrated a 317% EBITDA improvement, transitioned the business to a high-margin recurring revenue model, and triggered an 1100% market cap increase.Gary is a tech startup founder, consultant, and strategist with deep domain knowledge in artificial intelligence, especially where it intersects with systems thinking, decision velocity, and organizational leverage. He is a strong advocate for rethinking strategy in the age of AI, not as a static plan, but as a dynamic system designed to learn, adapt, and deliver differentiated value at speed. His work helps boards and CEOs avoid cosmetic AI experiments and instead build core systems that can actually scale and compete.He currently consults through NewThistle Consulting, guiding tech businesses on how to embed intelligent systems into the fabric of their operations. He is the author of The Accidental Strategist, which introduced the ReSCUED framework, a battle-tested approach to strategic value creation inspired by the precision and pressure of air traffic control.Gary holds an MBA from Nottingham Trent University and has completed extensive executive education in AI, finance, governance, and systems design. He splits his time between advising, writing about strategy in an AI-native world, and calling out LinkedIn leadership platitudes with a raised eyebrow and a dry wit.

Mark, spent over 20 years in the Royal Air Force before commencing a private sector career which spanned UK-based international corporates, including Serco Plc, Costain Plc and Speedy Hire Plc.In 2015, he commenced his private equity journey as an operating partner at a UK mid-market PE Firm.Subsequently, Mark has become a leading mid-market PE-backed Software, Technology and Business Services Chair with an exceptional track record of building and leading complex businesses. He has held 12 PE roles as Chair/Exec Chair (9 exited) and his assets have created over £1.3Bn of Enterprise Value for investors and his management teams.Mark has a reputation for delivering market-leading enterprise value gains and exits by developing compelling and deliverable equity development strategies, organic growth, M&A (he has completed over 70 transactions), transforming business operations and building outperforming management teams. He has led boards predominantly with a technology or core software focus in many sectors, including: FM, Telco, Fleet Logistics, Field Service Management, Tax Compliance and Construction.His PE-backed assets include: Totalmobile - Field Service Management Software; Eque2 - Construction ERP Software; Tax Systems - Tax Compliance Software; Mycomosi - Mobile Telco Assurance Software; Connexas - Fleet Management Software; Bellrock FM - Tech Enabled Business Services; OutCo FM - Tech Enabled Business Service; Pareto FM - ESG-driven Business Services.Mark holds an MBA from the Open University and an MA from King's College London.Mark was awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The MBE is recognition of outstanding achievement or service to the United Kingdom that has had a long-term, significant impact.