A leading private equity firm has launched a new Syfter-powered origination platform as their 'secret sauce', to cut manual work, unify data, and build a stronger foundation for AI. We spoke with their head of origination about how they planned the project, secured firmwide buy-in and delivered a smooth rollout.
The firm had a clear objective for the project from the beginning, to drive deal making efficiencies in research and the origination pipeline. Like most firms their teams were dealing with multiple data sources, websites and interfaces, leading to fragmented and often manual processes. As a partnership, Filament Syfter and the firm agreed the project plan, where the first deliverable had to be to merge key internal and external data sources such as their CRM so people could see everything in one place.
The firm also intended the platform to address the challenge of providing AI enablement, appreciating that AI tools work best when applied to a high quality dataset. Getting the project right would deliver the internal benefits they sought whilst also positioning them as a firm that understands and is leveraging the latest technology - vital to support their ongoing commitment to LPs.
With these goals in mind the firm reviewed the potential solutions available. Whilst there are a few different approaches technology-wise, providers typically lack the kind of credentials a firm like them requires when considering a project of this nature - it’s a leap into the unknown. Filament Syfter was the only product that provided the data integration technology along with advanced scoring and AI features, and also had a strong private equity customer base where the firm could validate the solution proposed.
While the project was in its planning phase the firm’s project lead gathered support from other partners and buy-in from team members. They also had the foresight to review the firm’s data providers to make sure they had the right blend of inputs, and to address potential barriers that could’ve otherwise slowed things down later down the line. Filament Syfter provided comprehensive onboarding support and their extensive range of data connectors meant that the implementation project ran smoothly without requiring additional resource on the firm’s side.
Due to the care taken upfront there has not been push back or reluctance to embrace the platform. Users and wider teams impacted by the platform view its introduction positively as it has delivered as promised: improved efficiency and greater visibility of data for everyone. The project lead was clear that delivering strong foundations was crucial before moving on to develop the platform’s capabilities further. This is an approach Filament Syfter fully endorses, as so often the desire to rush to look at AI features hampers early stages of delivery.
The next step was to look at integrating expert network data, something the project lead felt able to expedite now they had an appropriate place to surface the data. The data provides valuable insights in all areas from origination to pipeline management and even monitoring portfolio companies. Importantly, by adding the data to the platform it’s kept matched and updated to the targets the firm is tracking, and the team can still see everything in one place.
The project lead describes a firm that has developed their data and AI capabilities significantly in the last year. The platform, powered by Filament Syfter, is a key part of an overall approach that also utilises familiar tools like Enterprise ChatGPT. In fact, while Filament Syfter provides its own native GPT tools, its open architecture also allows the integration of Enterprise ChatGPT and others. As in this firm’s case, crucially the success of any of these tools relies heavily on having access to the best quality data, and fitting into users’ workflows.
And what next? The project lead cites the strength of the firm’s partnership with Filament Syfter as a base on which to develop the platform. “One of the main reasons we decided to go with Filmanent Syfter and not do it ourselves was that we felt that we would be supported on an ongoing basis on any new functionalities. We’re always looking to improve our teams’ workflows, and we’re able to discuss these objectives and influence the product roadmap.”
From Filament Syfter’s side having an internal champion like this, who has a deep understanding of the firm’s requirements along with the vision and focus to steer the project, is invaluable.
It is exciting to see companies like this unify their data , AI and technology to drive smarter deal-sourcing and relationship opportunities, If you want to learn how Syfter helps deal and tech teams achieve this, arrange a personalized demo to find out more.