M&A Circle: Leveraging AI Across the M&A and Growth Lifecycle – Insights for Dealmakers and Investors

You are Invited: Leveraging AI Across the M&A and Growth Lifecycle – Insights for Dealmakers and Investors

A Panel for Dealmakers, Corporate Development Leaders, Private Equity Buyers & Investors

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how deals are sourced, evaluated, executed, and integrated. Join us for a focused panel discussion designed for corporate development leaders, private equity professionals, and forward-thinking investors to explore how AI is reshaping the M&A process. Our panel will break down how AI is being applied at each stage of the deal cycle, from early-stage sourcing and pre-scoping diligence, through data-driven due diligence, to post-closing integration and long-term value creation.

Key Topics:

• Smart deal sourcing and pipeline prioritization
• Faster pre-scoping and screening
• Accelerating diligence with machine learning and automation
• Improved valuation and risk assessment
• Enhancing post-close integration with predictive analytics and growth
• AI’s role in strategic decision-making and portfolio growth

Gain practical insights into how leading acquirers and investors are using AI to sharpen their competitive edge and make smarter, faster, more informed decisions throughout the M&A and growth lifecycles.  

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SPEAKERS

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CRAIG SILVERSTEIN, Founder & CEO of The Next Unicorn

Craig Silverstein is the Founder & CEO of The Next Unicorn^® and creator of Minerva Engine™, an AI-powered strategic intelligence service that orchestrates synergies, exposes blind spots, and enhances strategic clarity across the M&A lifecycle. By fusing expert-led analysis with advanced AI, he delivers decision-grade intelligence, actionable growth plans, and clear value-creation levers to accelerate execution across diverse sectors.

Craig played a pivotal role in Unity’s 2021 acquisition and integration of SyncSketch, scaling the platform into a category leader in creative collaboration marked by sustained hypergrowth.

He continues to work closely with leaders across entertainment tech, ed-tech, automotive, manufacturing, non-profit, and investor-backed verticals, aligning business models to market realities and elevating investment readiness.

Craig’s approach stems from a core premise: while data is essential, execution is where most companies stumble. Unlike many AI-driven solutions, he values “execution-ready” intelligence—enabling organizations to move rapidly from analysis to action.

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ZAHEER ALI, COO @ Positon AI

Zaheer Ali is a respected expert on space technology and policy, an agilist, leader, and technologist. He is the COO at Positon Inc., a Managing Partner at New Space Finance, and a Professor of Practice at Thunderbird School of Global Management, which is part of ASU.

Previously he has served in executive positions at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, directing strategy for High Performance Compute, ThinkOrbital, which is building a 4th generation space station, Pulsar Fusion, and at Space Railway.

As both a professor and entrepreneur he advises several companies in the New Space Sector. He also served as a Senior Manager at USRA, leading aviation data sciences, artificial intelligence, quantum sciences, and nanotechnology for the NASA Ames NAMS contract. He was formerly a senior member of the project management office for NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) with responsibility for all software products and safety and quality of all USRA work on SOFIA. Previously he built science instrumentation and the laboratory facilities for SOFIA and stood up their science ground operations. In addition, he managed science ground support on multiple deployments around the world. Zaheer is also a founding executive for Material Mind, an applied AI science company, and AIXIA Global, an Industry 4.0 technology integration and digital/agile transformation company. He is trained as a research physicist which has resulted in patents, an R&D100 award, and over 40 authored or co-authored publications. He has also worked as an engineer and manager of teams and programs for the US Department of Energy’s Nevada Test Site where he co-founded the National Center for Nuclear Security, worked as a Principal Investigator and Shot Director at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics of the University of Rochester and consulted as a micro/nano device (MEMS) engineer.

MODERATORS

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CRAIG LILLY, Technology M&A Partner @ Reed Smith

Craig Lilly is a leading legal advisor for private equity and strategic clients on domestic and cross-border technology acquisitions, mergers, divestitures, auctions, leveraged buyouts and minority investments.  Craig’s practice includes advising emerging technology companies on venture capital financings, corporate governance, public offerings and joint ventures.  He also represents fund sponsors in connection with structuring and organizing investment funds, parallel investment vehicles, and offshore funds.

Craig frequently writes and lectures on legal and business issues regarding mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and corporate finance. He has been quoted in, or contributed to, articles and features in Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The Deal Magazine, Reuters, CFO.com and other major publications.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of The Association for Corporate Growth – Silicon Valley and an Advisor to Financial Executives International – Silicon Valley Chapter.

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ADAM FAUVRE, Director @ RSM US LLP

Adam Fauvre is a seasoned leader in audit, tax, and consulting, serving as a Director at RSM US LLP, where he is dedicated to delivering tailored insights and solutions to Silicon Valley companies. With a strong belief in "The Power of Being Understood," Adam collaborates with businesses to help them make confident decisions about their future.

Adam’s extensive career spans leadership roles at top organizations. Prior to joining RSM, he served as Vice President and Senior Client Solutions Director at Robert Half Management Resources, where he specialized in building client relationships and delivering impactful solutions. His professional journey also includes roles at Natixis Global Asset Management and Wells Fargo, reflecting his deep expertise in financial analysis, operations, and project management.

In addition to his professional work, Adam is deeply committed to community and industry engagement. He serves on multiple boards, including the Board of Directors for Financial Executives International, Silicon Valley, the Advisory Board for ACG Silicon Valley, and the Advisory Board for Life Science Cares Bay Area.

Adam holds a Master of Science in Financial Analysis & Investment Management and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, both from Saint Mary’s College of California. His multilingual abilities in English, Spanish, and French further enhance his global perspective

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PRICING:

No Charge for ACGSV Members and Sponsors/Guests

$20 Other ACG Chapter Members

$60 Non-Members