Will AI replace corporate development managers?

Why AI struggles to replace this job

• M&A strategy is highly dependent on proprietary, non-public information that AI cannot access.
• Successful integration of two companies depends on cultural alignment, a purely human assessment.
• Managers must navigate complex internal politics to get board approval for deals.
• The ability to 'read the room' during intense negotiations is a critical human skill.

Tasks AI could automate

• Reviewing high-level financial health summaries of target companies.
• Automating the workflow of the due diligence process across different departments.
• Generating initial drafts of investment committee memos.
• Tracking the post-merger integration milestones through automated dashboards.

The 10-year outlook

Growth is expected to outpace the general market as companies use acquisitions to pivot their business models rapidly. The role will evolve to require deep understanding of how to value AI and tech assets.

Common questions