#53 - Didem Un Ates, Founder & CEO at LotusAI
Slice of Technology Team
02/26/2025
Join us on this week's episode of the Slice of Technology AI podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!
Our Guest: Didem Un Ates, Founder & CEO at LotusAI.
What you’ll get out of this episode:
- AI Adoption in Private Equity – Many firms lack firsthand AI experience, requiring guidance on selecting and implementing the right tools.
- AI Due Diligence for Investments – Investors need to assess AI's potential impact on portfolio companies, from disruption risks to value creation.
- End-to-End AI Transformation – A structured, 90-day approach to AI adoption includes workflow analysis, feasibility studies, and roadmap creation.
- Responsible AI & Compliance – Ensuring AI adoption aligns with ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and privacy concerns.
- Talent Transformation & Upskilling – The AI revolution demands workforce upskilling, with governments and businesses playing a crucial role.
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How AI is Reshaping Private Equity with Didem Un Ates
Bridging the AI Knowledge Gap
Private equity firms, especially smaller ones, often struggle with AI adoption. Despite being well-read on the subject, many lack firsthand experience and the right network to implement AI solutions effectively. Didem Un Ates, Founder & CEO of LotusAI, works with private equity firms to integrate AI into investment teams, investor relations, legal, and operational departments. Her expertise, cultivated at Microsoft and Accenture, enables firms to unlock AI's potential for efficiency and innovation.
AI Due Diligence: A Game-Changer for Investment Decisions
Traditional technology due diligence falls short when assessing AI's impact on a business. Investors frequently ask: Will AI disrupt this company? Will it enhance value? How should we adjust our investment strategy? Didem specializes in answering these critical questions, helping firms evaluate AI’s role in portfolio growth and risk management.
The 90-Day AI Transformation Roadmap
To ensure a seamless AI transition, Didem advocates for a structured, three-phase plan:
- Comprehensive AI Scan – Assessing internal functions like HR, legal, finance, and investment processes to identify opportunities.
- Feasibility & Business Case Analysis – Determining whether to build, buy, or partner for AI adoption based on cost, impact, and timeline.
- Implementation Roadmap – Co-creating a strategy for the next 12-15 months, with a focus on scalability and adaptability.
Her approach emphasizes co-creation with stakeholders, ensuring AI is integrated into daily business workflows rather than isolated pilot projects.
The Importance of Responsible AI & Compliance
With AI adoption comes the responsibility of ensuring ethical usage, regulatory compliance, and data privacy. In finance, regulatory breaches can have severe consequences. Didem’s expertise as a certified algorithm auditor ensures AI is implemented responsibly from day one.
AI’s Impact on Workforce Transformation
AI-driven efficiencies don’t necessarily mean layoffs—upskilling and reskilling are key to AI integration. While AI can automate tasks, there isn’t enough skilled talent to manage advanced AI systems. Didem emphasizes the need for:
- Company-led AI training programs.
- Government incentives for workforce upskilling.
- A cultural shift toward AI adoption in daily workflows.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for AI’s Rapid Evolution
The speed of AI advancements is unparalleled—falling behind even for a few weeks can mean losing competitive ground. For private equity firms, the key to success is staying informed, adapting quickly, and leveraging AI as a strategic asset.
As Didem prepares to speak at the HumanX Conference, she looks forward to connecting with industry leaders, sharing insights, and driving AI transformation forward.
