The Challenge
A PE firm's origination function recognized AI/ML potential but lacked structured approach to evaluating opportunities. No clear line of sight from function strategy to potential AI/ML solutions, undefined value levers, ad-hoc tool adoption without understanding capability requirements, and no ROI framework for estimating returns from investments.
Our Solution
Multi-dimensional mapping framework creating defensible roadmap from function strategy to technology implementation:
Mapping Framework Dimensions
- Strategy → Activities: Decomposed origination strategy into concrete business activities
- Activities → Value Levers → KPIs: Identified what makes activities successful and translated to measurable KPIs
- KPIs → Solutions: Mapped potential technology solutions to each KPI improvement opportunity
- Solutions → Tech Stack: Connected solutions to existing infrastructure and integration requirements
- Technology → Skills: Identified required capabilities and assessed skill gaps
- All → ROI Estimates: Estimated time reduction, cost savings, and quality improvements
Defensible Roadmap Sequencing
Initiative prioritization based on estimated return × capability readiness × dependencies with clear logic for ordering visible in multi-dimensional analysis.
Results
Multi-Dimensional Map
Activities → KPIs → Solutions → Stack → Skills → ROI
Roadmap Logic
Clear prioritization from structured analysis
Framework
Ongoing use for evaluating new initiatives
Key Impact
- Head of Origination gained clarity on how technology connects to function strategy and KPIs
- Managing partners understood roadmap sequencing logic grounded in multi-dimensional analysis
- Framework provided repeatable methodology for evaluating future AI/ML proposals
- Mapping spreadsheet became living document for ongoing initiative evaluation
- Roadmap remained relevant years later—framework enabled re-prioritization as business shifted