M&A for AI: An Executive Playbook for Due Diligence, Value Capture, and Integration

Acquiring AI teams, models, and data is increasingly a strategic shortcut to capability—but M&A for AI requires its own executive playbook. This episode walks senior leaders through a pragmatic sequence: what to evaluate in technology, data, people, IP, and contracts; how to surface hidden technical and operational debt; deal-structure levers that preserve incentives; and the integration moves that actually capture value (product alignment, runbooks, SLAs, governance, and retention plans). The monologue blends C-level decision frameworks with concrete diligence checklists and post-close integration tactics designed for enterprise scale. Listeners will leave with a prioritized, risk-aware checklist they can use in negotiations and a clear set of organizational actions that turn an acquired AI asset into measurable ROI. The focus is operational, legal-aware, and executive-friendly—built for leaders who must translate acquisition intent into sustained impact.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/datascience-show-podcast--6817783/support.I share practical AI leadership notes on LinkedIn — the kind you can forward internally or reuse in executive discussions.Follow Mirko on LinkedIn if you want decision-ready frameworks, not hype.