StrategyBridgeAI at Dealcircle webinar: how AI is transforming valuation, benchmarking and restructuring

More than 500 participants. One topic that clearly hit a nerve.

Together with Kai Hesselmann from Dealcircle and our clients from Dr. Wieselhuber & Partner, Möhrle Happ Luther, and dhmp NEXT, our co-founder Deniz Schütz discussed how AI is changing the real analytical work in advisory, not the process management layer, but valuation, transaction services, and restructuring.

Watch the full webinar recording on Dealcircle.

Peer groups in hours, not weeks

Building a reliable peer group used to mean one to two weeks of work, from junior analyst research through to senior review. With AI-powered tools, that same process can happen in a single day. The quality of the starting material is higher too: instead of a keyword search that struggles with niche markets or mixed business models, analysts get pre-ranked suggestions based on how closely each company matches the valuation target.

Verified data, not hallucinated sources

Anyone who has tried generating market reports with general-purpose AI tools knows the problem: the output looks convincing, but every source needs manual verification. Specialised platforms take a different approach by cross-referencing outputs against databases covering millions of company profiles. No fabricated data, no dead links. This matters especially in the small and mid-cap segment, where major data providers often have thin coverage.

AI as a sparring partner in distressed situations

In restructuring, time pressure is extreme. A typical distressed M&A process often leaves only three months before insolvency proceedings begin. AI tools help advisors move faster on the things that matter: identifying value drivers, running outside-in checks on margins and market size, and spotting inconsistencies in business plans before they cause problems later.

Business plan validation that holds up

One of the most practically useful applications is stress-testing management plans. In restructuring especially, optimistic hockey-stick forecasts are common. The right approach is a structured thesis-antithesis process: compare the submitted plan against industry benchmarks, margin ranges, and realistic growth rates. Unrealistic assumptions surface early, and the consultant can ask targeted questions rather than finding problems at the wrong moment.

Responsibility stays with the human

Efficiency gains do not change the fundamentals of professional liability. For auditors and tax advisors, strict rules apply to how client data is handled. Open AI tools are explicitly prohibited in many firms. GDPR-compliant setups, European hosting, and strict data separation are baseline requirements, not optional. And regardless of the tool: AI outputs are working hypotheses. Anyone bearing professional responsibility must understand, review, and independently assess the results.

The webinar made one thing clear: AI does not change what advisory is for, it changes how fast and how well advisors can do it. Peer groups, industry benchmarks, business plan checks, all of it is faster and more reliable when the right tools are in place.

Watch the full recording on Dealcircle.