AI is helping professionals across industries maximize efficiency like never before. According to a recent Intapp client survey, professionals save at least five hours a week using Intapp DealCloud’s AI and automation capabilities — especially for tasks like logging notes, updating deals, building reports, and preparing for meetings.
But as AI capabilities expand, so do concerns about job security. Many professionals worry that automation tools will replace human talent, and that AI-driven efficiency will lead firms to downsize their teams.
During a fireside chat at Intapp Amplify, David Handler, Partner and Co-Founder of Tidal Partners, challenged this concern, demonstrating how AI can actually strengthen rather than shrink teams. Read on to learn how Handler is using AI to reinvest in his team.
Boosting AI adoption
Tidal Partners, a boutique M&A strategic advisory firm, consists of less than 40 professionals. Although many firms this size still perform tasks manually, Handler decided to invest in DealCloud — an AI-powered platform with automation capabilities — to help his teams save time and effort.
Handler and his team adopted DealCloud early on to help build their system of record. While using DealCloud, the staff observed how secure and user-friendly it was, and witnessed first-hand how it could help them work more efficiently. And once they realized that DealCloud was there to assist them — not replace them — Tidal Partner’s professionals were even more inclined to use its AI capabilities in their everyday work.
“It’s evolutionary, not revolutionary,” Handler explained. “We’re not doing anything differently. Our model has always been exactly what you’ve talked about: high levels of intelligence and information. We trust our people and have best-in-class deal skills.”
If you want to be a superpower, you have to be a leader in AI. There’s no world where you can remain a superpower and not use AI.
DAVID HANDLER, PARTNER AND CO-FOUNDER, TIDAL PARTNERS
Reinvesting in analysts
Since adopting DealCloud, Tidal Partners’ analysts have gained approximately 30% of their time back — and that’s just with public information versus client-specific data. The firm has reinvested that time into helping its staff become stronger professionals:
- More face-to-face time with clients
Analysts can spend more time with clients — strengthening their relationships, getting to know their goals, and delivering higher value. - More trainings
Analysts can have more trainings on developing better judgement and decision-making skills. - A focus on apprenticeship and practical experience
Analysts have more time to shadow, interview, and learn from senior members of their team, allowing them to apply their new knowledge and practical experience to their own work.
By transforming time savings into professional development opportunities, Tidal Partners is building a stronger, more client-focused team equipped with the skills and experience that AI can’t replace.
Watch the recording of the Intapp Amplify keynote to learn more about how investing in both AI and talent gives firms a competitive advantage.