ML/AI and Data analytics are part of the day-to-day today. And many have taken this seriously and invested in Machine Learning Operations (MLOps). Mostly by introducing practices and tools/software (e.g. MLFlow, Kubeflow, AWS Sagemaker etc) that aim to operationalize the development, deployment, and management of machine learning models. Data is...
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Empower your M&A activity with Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques
Exploring unconventional ways to empower M&A due-diligence process using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
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Formulating your COVID-19 business response
Following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the pandemic state on March 11 2020 number of countries and work leaders have initiated precedential measures, from soft guidelines in UK to country-wide lockdowns and holidays in Middle East (e.g. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan). Days later we get to face some...
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Raising Digital value of the organization on all fronts
Digital is a top priority for CxOs of all calibers across nearly every industry. I can’t think of any executive I came across during the past 5-6 years that didn’t speak or made no effort to unleash digital potential of the organization. What they have in common is an understanding...
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The hidden gem of M&A IT integration
According to Harvard Business Review (HBR) “typically 70%–90% of acquisitions are abysmal failures”. HBR recommendations are around smarter capital investment decision making, providing better management oversight, transferring or sharing valuable skills and capabilities. What I struggled to find are the details around actual failures, and what role does technology play...
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Things to look when investing or acquiring AI startup
Year 2019, yet another success for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups. Indeed there is increasing interest in AI acquisitions, and new annual high for money raised by AI startups (estimated at USD 18.5b+, with USD 3.7b being raised in just Q4 2019)… this is despite overall economics hurdle and slow...
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How Digital shapes M&A?
Based on analysis of Thomson Reuters M&A Database, c.20% of the deals appear to be in Digital domain or have digital motive. More interestingly, digital companies are being sold for record high values and continue to get traction. Recent acquisition of Careem (3.1B USD) and Souq.com (0.58B USD) are good...
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Why get proactive with IT due diligence?
More often technology becomes a topic of conversation in the boardrooms and across executive management. According to Deloitte M&A trends reports, it is also a motivation behind c.15% of the transactions.
CIOs and technology management teams play critical role in overall transactions and need to be prepared.
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Cyber threatens M&A deals
Cyber-attacks are a big deal in today’s world, and many already had an impact on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). I put together a brief post illustrating recent examples of the impact and emphasize the importance of the Cyber due diligence during M&A process…
One of the key risks to assess is if cyber-attack have taken place without the target’s awareness and without the acquirer’s knowledge.
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The rise of startups in UAE, fundraising options and preparations that are often missed…
Worldwide, there are about 300 million people trying to start about 150 million businesses. About one third will be launched, and it is approximately 137,000 per day. UAE ecosystem Based on the latest MENA research conducted by Arabnet, 31% of MENA investors are located in UAE, $459M is the value...
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