AI Pressure Mounts Among Executives and Investors

In the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence, a clear trend is emerging: executives, investors, and boards are increasingly unified in their call for robust AI strategies. A recent survey from Dataiku (https://www.dataiku.com) highlights that CEOs are feeling the heat to ramp up their AI initiatives, and it seems they aren't alone.

A report from KPMG (https://home.kpmg/us/en/home.html) reveals that investor pressure for AI adoption has soared to 90%, up from 68% just a quarter prior. This dramatic increase signals a growing impatience among stakeholders who expect companies to adapt quickly or risk being left behind. Todd Lohr, KPMG's head of ecosystems, notes that investors are poised to intensify their demands, potentially leading to increased activism in corporate governance.

Board members are also catching on. Lohr mentions that during his speeches to boards, members are diving deep into AI technology to ask pertinent questions about its disruptive potential. This proactive approach reflects a broader recognition of AI's significance in shaping the future of business.

Venture capitalists are not sitting on the sidelines either. Leaders like Jai Das from Sapphire Ventures (https://sapphireventures.com) emphasize that they are actively encouraging portfolio companies to integrate generative AI features into their offerings. Companies that fail to embrace AI might find themselves as mere footnotes in history, while those that do will likely emerge as significant players.

Maria Palma from Freestyle Capital (https://www.freestyle.vc) echoes this sentiment, stating that discussions about AI integration are becoming commonplace in their portfolio reviews. Her firm is even hosting sessions to illuminate AI's potential across various departments, reinforcing the idea that a multi-faceted approach to AI is essential.

However, not all companies are approaching AI strategically. Some are hastily adding AI features without a thorough analysis of where real gains can be achieved. This rush can lead to an “AI arms race,” according to Florian Douetteau (https://www.dataiku.com) , CEO of Dataiku, who warns that without a unified strategy, organizations may face chaos, including siloed experimentation and unmonitored usage.

Investor expectations continue to rise, with companies under pressure to show return on investment for their AI initiatives. Darren Louie from Proof (https://www.proof.com) points out that while businesses are eager to meet these expectations, compliance and security concerns remain significant hurdles.

As spending on software accelerates among Global 2000 enterprises, there’s been a noticeable uptick in investments in AI tools and applications. Matt Turck (https://firstmarkcap.com) from FirstMark Capital notes that discussions surrounding AI are constant in VC-backed startups, highlighting its importance across various functions like development, sales, and marketing.

Yet, amidst this momentum, external factors such as the new tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration could influence the pace of AI adoption. As Turck suggests, it remains to be seen how these tariffs might affect trends in AI investment moving forward.

Cited: https://www.businessinsider.com/investors-pressuring-companies-to-get-serious-about-ai-2025-4