Valliance, a newly launched consulting firm based in London, has secured a €13 million seed investment to aid companies in navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence. Founded by industry veterans Tarek Nseir, Rad Parvin, and Anita Rajdev, with a combined experience exceeding 60 years, Valliance aims to offer AI-driven solutions to organizations in the UK and across Europe. Their goal extends beyond just providing technology; they focus on delivering tangible results for their clients. Operating autonomously, Valliance only earns revenue when they meet the clients’ predetermined objectives.
What Draws Attention to AI Investments?
In light of growing enthusiasm for AI, Valliance conducted research among companies in the Netherlands and the UK. The study involved 1,000 decision-makers and highlighted prevalent issues in AI project implementations. Despite significant investments, with some companies spending more than €50 million, less than half of AI initiatives met their intended targets. Many reported a delay in achieving returns, often extending beyond six months. The struggle to align AI technologies with business outcomes was a common concern, signaling a gap that Valliance aims to fill.
How is Siguler Guff Involved?
Siguler Guff & Company, LP, a private equity firm with substantial assets and comprehensive experience in private market investments, played a significant role in Valliance’s launch by providing seed funding. Siguler Guff’s global presence and expertise make them a strategic partner, adding oversight to Valliance through their representatives Shaun Khubchandani and Justin Eskind who have joined the company’s board. Their involvement is expected to strengthen Valliance’s ability to scale operations and refine its offerings.
In past evaluations about AI strategies in the region, recurring concerns have surfaced about the gap between AI spending and measurable outputs. Valliance’s approach addresses these concerns by committing to results-oriented consulting, contrasting with previous models that often prioritized technology over business impacts.
The insights from Valliance’s recent study reveal a high trust level in AI among Dutch firms, with 90% affirming its potential to deliver business value. Nevertheless, only a fraction consider themselves advanced in effectively using AI, highlighting a disparity between aspiration and practical execution. Valliance co-founder Rad Parvin criticizes the current approach, saying:
“The current situation is costing companies a fortune and undermining trust in a technology that should be transformative.”
Strategies for adopting AI mainly target operational efficiency, productivity, cost efficiency, and innovation. However, consultancy methods that emphasize technology over tangible business results continue to attract criticism from firms. Valliance plans to counter this trend by developing solutions that are not only scalable but also integrate effectively with existing business frameworks.
Siguler Guff’s investment, coupled with advisory support from seasoned industry leaders like Stephen Treloar, positions Valliance to advance its mission to streamline AI implementations. Parvin articulates the firm’s vision, stating:
“Companies need AI that makes an impact today and provides better insight into where it can take them tomorrow.”
As Valliance embarks on this journey, the firm will hire additional AI specialists, aiming to significantly expand its workforce over the next few years. Decisive steps such as these could effectively bridge the gap between AI capabilities and real-world business needs, potentially leading to a shift in how companies approach AI projects.
