Private Equity + AI: Turning Capital into Value with Jason Friedrichs

Welcome back to Founder Mode!

In this episode, we chatted with Jason Friedrichs. We explored how private equity connects with AI and why this is so important right now.

Jason has worked in consulting, operations, and investing. Today, he helps companies grow smarter with tech, not just faster with capital. We talked about how private equity is changing in a post-ZIRP world. We also discussed what AI means for value creation in real terms, not just theory.

What’s Changing in Private Equity

Traditional PE used to be about buying with debt and tweaking financials. That’s not enough anymore. Today, success is about using technology, especially AI, to drive growth and boost margins.

Jason said that value creation now means enhancing both the customer and employee experience. And it starts by asking: What’s the AI-first version of this process?

The Modern Playbook for PE + AI

Jason broke down what modern private equity looks like in 2025:

• Team-first: “We look at the people behind the idea. If they know how to build repeatable growth, we can build everything else around them.”
• Clear objectives: After investing, they set 3 to 4 key goals. These focus on growth and product change. Every goal has a single owner.
• AI as core, not a side project: Don’t treat AI like an IT tool. CEOs and leaders need to get hands-on.
• Healthcare as a Top Opportunity: It’s a prime area to cut admin work. This shift helps refocus attention on patients and providers.
• Capital ≠ strategy: “Money is now the commodity. What you bring to the table as a partner is what matters.”

5 Key Takeaways

1. Make no-regrets moves. Try things that deliver learnings even if they fail.
2. Split focus: Use AI to grow both revenue and margins.
3. Build the right team. Execution beats perfect ideas every time.
4. Don't delegate AI. Founders and execs should use the tools directly.
5. Healthcare is ready. It’s full of friction—and that means opportunity.

Final Thoughts

This was more than a chat about private equity. It was a guide for smart investing and operations in the next decade. If you're a founder, investor, or operator, here's the deal: AI isn't just a buzzword. It can give you a real advantage when used correctly. But it takes discipline, clarity, and the right team to make it real.

🎧 Listen to Episode 29 here:

Private Equity + AI with Jas... Oct 16 · Founder Mode 26:51   ​

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