We keep our ear to the ground for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know to shape the future with confidence.

1. Follow the power

The AI boom isn’t just about smarter models anymore. The real race is happening behind the scenes, where companies and governments are pouring billions into the datacenters, chips, energy systems and computing power needed to keep AI running. As adoption accelerates, access to infrastructure is becoming just as important as access to talent or technology. Countries are competing to build AI capacity, investors are backing the foundations that make AI possible, and organizations are realizing that success may depend less on creating the next breakthrough model and more on having the infrastructure to deploy AI at scale.

How infrastructure is shaping the next phase of AI investment

2. Big ideas, bigger impact

Some of the most powerful solutions to the world’s biggest challenges start with one person asking, «What if?» What if plastic waste could become a business opportunity? What if small shopkeepers had better access to digital tools? What if local communities could play a bigger role in protecting the environment? Plenty of people have ideas that could change lives. Far fewer have the funding, network and support needed to turn those ideas into something bigger. That’s where the right support, funding and connections can change everything. Sometimes all it takes is someone believing in an idea long enough to help it grow…

How TRANSFORM is helping impact entrepreneurs scale

3. Root cause

For years, leaders could treat climate shocks, workforce strains and social friction as someone else’s problem. That bet is looking shaky. The EY New Economy Unit argues that today’s pressures share the same roots, and businesses eventually foot the bill through higher costs, greater volatility and fewer growth opportunities. Strong communities create stronger labor markets. Healthy ecosystems support more reliable supply chains. The companies pulling ahead are strengthening the people, ecosystems and institutions they depend on, because neglected foundations have a way of showing up in earnings.

From extractivism to regeneration: what US business leaders should take away

4. Show me the receipts

These days, every company seems to have an AI story. Investors are hearing about new capabilities, acquisitions and billion-dollar opportunities almost daily. But once the excitement dies down, the same questions remain: Is the business making more money? Are margins improving? Is cash actually coming in the door? As AI reshapes the IT services industry, the focus is shifting from flashy announcements to financial fundamentals. Because at some point, every AI strategy has to show up in the numbers.

AI is redefining IT services, but earnings quality is the real test

5. Closing time

The best exits start when nobody’s talking about selling. Which is why timing might be overrated. Markets swing. Opportunities appear, then disappear just as fast. The deals crossing the finish line have usually been years in the making, with stronger data, sharper leadership teams and a growth story backed by evidence. Buyers are asking tougher questions too, especially around AI and future competitiveness. Buyers want receipts. When conditions improve, some firms are ready to move. Others are still getting ready…

How can PE teams guide portfolio companies to be exit-ready, not exit-reactive?

If you do one thing:

Challenge one «we’ve always done it this way» process this week.