On Monday, September 15, at ACG’s M&A SoCal conference in Los Angeles, industry leaders gathered for AI Con to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the dealmaking landscape. Among the voices guiding this discussion was Sheila Guastamachio, Vice President of Search and AI at Datasite, who joined the panel “The Future of AI in Deal-Making: From Intelligence to Integration.” Her and her fellow panelists perspectives offered a grounded view of where AI is driving meaningful impact today, and where integration is headed next.

Sheila emphasized that while AI in M&A is often framed in terms of futuristic possibilities, its most transformative value right now lies in creating efficiencies. From accelerating due diligence to surfacing critical insights hidden in vast datasets, AI is already shortening timelines and empowering deal teams to focus on higher-level strategy. She noted that for many clients, the move from “intelligence” to “integration” means embedding these capabilities seamlessly into daily workflows rather than treating AI as a separate tool.

Sheila also highlighted Datasite’s recent acquisitions of Grata and Blueflame AI, two innovative AI-driven companies. These moves reinforce Datasite’s commitment to embedding AI into the M&A lifecycle, while ensuring that dealmakers have access to best-in-class tools purpose-built for their needs. By integrating these technologies, Datasite is further positioning itself at the forefront of helping clients harness AI responsibly and effectively.

Looking ahead, Sheila and her fellow panelists noted that the next frontier is integration across the full deal lifecycle and day to day tasks. From deal origination to post-merger integration, AI has the potential to create a connected ecosystem of insights, streamlining collaboration among bankers, private equity, lawyers, and corporate development teams. As these technologies mature, the companies and teams that prioritize thoughtful adoption and integration will be best positioned to unlock speed, accuracy, and ultimately, better deal outcomes.

At Datasite, we remain committed to helping dealmakers harness these innovations responsibly. Sheila’s participation at M&A SoCal reflects our belief that the future of M&A lies not just in deploying new technology, but in embedding it in ways that empower people and elevate performance across every stage of the deal. To learn more, reach out to us here.

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