Perspectives

Nicolai: When we started BootstrapLabs, we were focused on investing in the emerging space of AI and finding the best talent and in turn driving value for portfolio companies and commercial opportunities. When we first met with you and Michael Arougheti and discussed what life at Ares could look like, my initial answer was “I’m honored but I’m not looking for an exit – I’m looking for partners to help us grow.” Ares, as it turns out, was exactly that – a dynamic organization with the size and platform that could help scale venture investing and drive value creation, all while finding ways to apply our knowledge across the business and its portfolio. That realization was what excited us most. We are confident that together we can help ensure Ares becomes a leader in this space as it relates to applying AI both inside Ares and at the firm’s portfolio companies & assets globally.

Nicolai: The collaborative nature of Ares is one of its key factors for success and another reason we were attracted to the business. Something that stood out to us as we learned more about the platform was the approach taken by Ares’ ESG team, which prioritized employee engagement as opposed to functioning outside of the investment platform in a silo. To that end, we have identified AI ambassadors across the firm with whom we meet regularly to identify the greatest opportunities for impact. So, while we may have the bulk of experience in this space, we have real thought partners across the business that are identifying the practical applications and need for this technology. We are starting by building a foundation that will allow us to innovate effectively over time as opposed to moving quickly without putting in place a sound structure. We’ve set out short, medium and long-term goals and are focusing on ways that we can drive the greatest efficiencies.

Nicolai: We’re doing this systematically by collaborating  across four key focus areas: Ares’ investment portfolio, investment process, investment experience and business operations. Given the complexities of Ares—its size and differentiated portfolio—we’ve made the decision to zero in on tangible utility areas, like human augmentation, automation and product and service innovation. We’re beginning to pilot value creation opportunities across our four key focus areas but starting with a single portfolio company, investment strategy and business operation area. We feel it is important to go deep within one area to begin and use our learnings to potentially deliver broad impact firm and portfolio wide.

Nicolai: While we’re in the early stages of our journey at Ares the BootstrapLabs team is energized by the great collaborative culture at the firm and all of the exciting opportunities that are coming our way. Stay tuned!