M&A Circle: How AI Changes the Private Equity Landscape for Operational Transformation

Our panel will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the operational playbook for private equity portfolio companies. From streamlining supply chains and automating back-office functions to enhancing pricing, sales, and customer targeting, AI is driving measurable efficiency and EBITDA gains. Panelists will share real-world examples of how management teams are deploying AI to accelerate value creation during hold periods. We will also examine the organizational and cultural shifts required to embed AI into daily operations and decision-making. 

Please join us an evening of insightful discussions, networking and food. ______________________________________________________________________________________

SPEAKER:

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ALEXANDRA IVANOV, Vice President @ Banneker Partners

Alexandra Ivanov is a Vice President at Banneker Partners, where she focuses on evaluating investment opportunities and providing operational support to Banneker’s portfolio companies across the software & payments landscape.

Alexandra was previously a Vice President at Lone View Capital where she was responsible for private equity investments across the software and tech enabled services landscape. In addition to her time at Lone View, Alexandra was previously a member of the Technology Growth investment team at KKR. Alexandra started her career as an Investment Banking Analyst on the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) team at Goldman Sachs. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a double major in Mathematics and Management Science.

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JOHN MURRAY, Operating Partner @ Banneker Partners

John Murray is an operating executive and board member with extensive experience helping companies drive transformational growth through strategic planning, technology adoption, and operational restructuring. He specializes in SaaS and tech-enabled businesses, focusing on top-line expansion, expense reduction, and operational improvements. John is a Qualified Financial Expert for SEC reporting and has a strong background in guiding private equity-backed companies.

He is currently an Operating Partner for middle-market software companies and co-founder/Board Chair of PlanScout, a tech-enabled services firm for financial advisory businesses. Previously, he served on the board of Billtrust and as Executive Board Chair at CreditIQ, where he led the company to a successful sale to Cars.com.

John began his career in banking with Credit Suisse and Stifel, later holding senior executive roles in the tech sector as CTO at Brigade Solutions and CIO at AssetMark. He holds a B.A. in Finance from USC and an MBA from UC Berkeley.

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PARAG VAISH, Founder @ NextNow Ai

Parag Vaish is the Founder of NextNow Ai, a product studio focused on building AI-powered tools for private equity firms and private equity–backed companies. Drawing on over two decades of experience in digital product innovation and artificial intelligence, Parag helps organizations unlock competitive advantage through applied AI. His work at NextNow Ai builds on a foundation developed at cutting-edge companies including Evolv Technology, where he served as Chief Product Officer and led the strategy for its AI-based weapons detection platform; Tesla, where he oversaw digital product management for content and design; and Google, where he was a Founder-in-Residence focused on emerging technologies.

Earlier in his career, Parag held product and leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, Microsoft, NBC News, StubHub!, and startups like Escapia (acquired by HomeAway) and Medable. Across these roles, he has focused on building effective teams, applying quantitative analysis, and delivering user-centered products.

Parag holds a B.S. in Business Administration from California State University and dual graduate degrees—an MBA and an M.S. in Information Systems—from Boston University. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two children.

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