The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

How private equity firm THL is winning with AI implementation

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Feb 10, 2026

Alex Sabel, VP at THL Partners who leads research and AI strategy, discusses how THL embeds AI across the firm and its portfolio. He covers data foundations, a compute-focused investment thesis, practical internal AI use, and how portfolio companies deploy agents and operational automations. He also talks about failing fast, build vs buy decisions, and everyday AI tools.

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INSIGHT

Compute Value Lives Beyond GPUs

Long-term value sits in system-level compute and embedded IP, not just GPUs.
Middle-market PE can win by targeting capital-light, mission-critical software and tooling across heterogeneous data centers.

ADVICE

Three-Pronged AI Strategy

Use a three-pronged AI strategy: invest, use internally, and help portfolio companies adopt it.
Foster cross-portfolio innovation without prescribing exact product choices.

ANECDOTE

Binder Added Metadata Agents

Binder added AI agents to enrich photo metadata and sold the feature as an add-on module.
Customer feedback was positive and the feature extended the core DAM product.

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In this episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Alex Sabel, Vice President at THL Partners, to explore how the firm is embracing AI across its operations and portfolio. Alex leads THL’s research function and AI strategy, bringing a data-driven, quant mindset to private equity.

He shares how THL uses AI internally to improve investment workflows, how portfolio companies are deploying AI to drive product innovation and efficiency, and what he’s learned from both successes and failures. Whether you’re exploring AI adoption or refining your strategy, this episode offers clear, practical insights from the front lines.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro to Alex Sabel & THL’s AI Focus
AI at the firm, portfolio, and personal level.

00:55 – Alex’s Background
From public markets to PE, building THL’s research and AI function.

03:12 – Common Mistakes in AI Adoption
Why firms must focus on data foundations first.

04:35 – Real-Time Insight vs. Info Overload
The value of surfacing insights at the right time.

06:02 – Investing in the Global Compute Ecosystem
THL’s thesis: look beyond GPUs to second-order AI winners.

09:19 – THL’s Three-Pronged AI Strategy
Invest in AI, use it internally, and support portfolio adoption.

11:42 – How THL Supports Portfolio Innovation
Roundtables, tech summits, and a vendor ecosystem to foster AI experimentation.

13:36 – Case Studies: Binder, FourKites & Sentria
Examples of AI-driven product innovation and operational efficiency.

17:57 – When AI Fails
Why THL embraces “fail fast” and knows when to build vs. buy.

22:12 – Deciding When to Use AI
Break problems into first principles—GenAI isn’t always the answer.

25:26 – What’s Blown Alex’s Mind
AI organizing and standardizing messy, fragmented enterprise data.

27:45 – Daily Tools & Tips
Coding assistants and using multiple LLMs (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Groq) for varied insights.

31:06 – What to Read
Short term: WSJ, FT, Economist.
Deep dives: SemiAnalysis and top Substacks.

32:31 – Connect with Alex Sabel
Open to collaborating on AI, compute infrastructure, and emerging vendors.

Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.

🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/
🌐 Visit Raw Selection: www.raw-selection.com