AI is now fueling high-value deals across the M&A space. In the first five months of 2025, tech-focused M&A surged — accounting for 25% of global transactions, up from 17% in 2023 — driven largely by firms acquiring capabilities in AI-ready data infrastructure.

AI tools are also accelerating deal processes. In Kraken's $1.5 billion acquisition of NinjaTrader, AI-driven analysis processed massive datasets in hours rather than weeks. However, these benefits come with serious risks. Data privacy concerns, gaps in regulatory compliance, and liability for AI-generated errors are now emerging as key issues across industries.

To mitigate these risks, leading advisors now recommend expanding due diligence to address AI-specific factors. These include intellectual property and legal exposure, regulatory compliance under frameworks like GDPR and ITAR, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the integrity of data used by AI systems. Across the board, experts emphasize that AI is best deployed to augment — not replace — human oversight within M&A workflows.

How CoolLife is Navigating the Choice

At CoolLife, we recognize that M&A professionals are at the cusp of this transformation. Some customers are eager to leverage AI in their workflows, while others insist on retaining full control of sensitive data and processes.

Before implementing AI capabilities in our platform, we are taking a deliberate approach: determining the optimal way to give each customer complete control over AI usage. Whether they choose to enable AI-powered workflows or fully block AI access, our goal is to respect each client’s governance policies and risk tolerance.

In short, we believe trust begins with choice. We will not move forward with any AI functionality until we can ensure that our customers remain in full control of how — or if — AI plays a role in their transaction workflows.

Join the Conversation

How is AI shaping your M&A experience?
What safeguards or governance would you expect from your platforms?
Would your team prefer full AI capabilities, human-only workflows, or flexible options?

We welcome your input as we continue shaping the future of secure, flexible M&A technology.

References:

Reuters: Data infrastructure driving hot tech M&A market in AI race
https://www.reuters.com/business/unglamorous-world-data-infrastructure-driving-hot-tech-ma-market-ai-race-2025-06-13

Business Insider: How AI was used in Kraken’s $1.5B acquisition of NinjaTrader
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-ai-was-used-kraken-ninjatrader-acquisition-2025-4