Private Equity (PE) firms often juggle a variety of portfolio companies, each with its own unique pressures and market demands. In this environment, spotting the most valuable AI opportunities can be a game-changer—but it’s not always straightforward. Aaron Bland Moore, a fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) and CTO with over three decades of experience, has developed a structured method to help organizations uncover where AI can deliver meaningful impact. His approach combines deep technical expertise with a business-oriented perspective shaped by years in consulting, startups, and Fortune 100 enterprises.
Listening First
A core element of Moore’s process involves what he calls a “listening tour.” He meets with company leaders, frontline staff, and other key stakeholders to gauge existing capabilities, data maturity, and pain points. Many leaders already have ideas for how technology or AI might help, yet they’re unsure how to validate or prioritize those ideas. By listening carefully, Moore identifies which use cases can deliver real value quickly and which ones may require more strategic planning.
In some scenarios, the vision is clear—such as automating repetitive tasks or building AI-driven recommendation engines. In others, Moore discovers hidden possibilities that executives may not have considered. Regardless, the key is understanding the company’s current state thoroughly before recommending any tech solutions.
Turning Ideas into Reality
Moore’s philosophy emphasizes tangible outcomes over buzzwords. Having built and scaled multiple AI initiatives, he draws on practical experience to guide implementation. Early on, he looks for quick wins—like automating a single time-consuming process or enhancing a modest pilot project. These smaller successes build confidence and help leadership see AI as more than just a theoretical tool.
Longer term, Aaron helps organizations set up frameworks for continuous AI innovation. This might involve modernizing data infrastructure, orchestrating pilot programs, or training internal teams to work effectively with new tools. Above all, he keeps the focus on strategic alignment, ensuring that every AI effort serves the larger business objectives.
Balancing Risk and Reward
One challenge in a PE context is balancing aggressive growth goals with the realities of budget and resource constraints. Aaron advocates for a clear-eyed, ROI-centric approach. By mapping each AI initiative to measurable metrics—such as cost savings, revenue growth, or improved customer satisfaction—he helps companies avoid “tech for tech’s sake” and instead invest in projects that drive meaningful results.
When scaled across multiple portfolio companies, this disciplined approach to AI can significantly boost returns. It can also uncover synergies—like shared data platforms or centralized analytics capabilities—benefiting the entire PE portfolio.
Where AI Fits Today—and Tomorrow
Ultimately, spotting AI opportunities in a PE-backed environment demands both vision and pragmatism. Aaron Bland Moore’s method—centered on listening, validating ideas, and focusing on real-world outcomes—gives businesses a roadmap for success. By blending a long history of technical expertise with an eye for immediate ROI, he helps portfolio companies adapt today and remain competitive tomorrow.
To learn more or connect with Aaron directly, find him on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/aaron-bland-moore-cto/
