Ducera Partners Applies 'Moneyball' Approach to VC and M&A
PE News | Dec 09, 2024 | EIN

Ducera Partners, a New York-based firm founded in 2015, is applying a unique 'Moneyball' inspired approach to venture capitalism and M&A, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance business operations. The firm’s CTO, Thomas Thurston, underscored that their reliance on AI allows for increased productivity and the ability to assess potential investments in private companies using proprietary algorithms rather than traditional financial metrics. This model enables Ducera to predict company worth and growth trajectories by analyzing data from over a thousand public companies. Unlike traditional firms, Ducera forms investment partnerships with large strategic corporates, exemplified by Corteva Agriscience. Their innovative methods allow them to identify and approach market opportunities efficiently. To date, Ducera advises on $850 billion in transactions, differing notably from legacy bank practices. This progressive model, rooted in rigorous data science, promises to set a new standard in private equity and venture capital landscapes.
Sectors
- Venture Capital
- Investment Banking
- Artificial Intelligence
Geography
- United States – Ducera Partners is based in New York, with its AI strategies influencing M&A and VC primarily in the U.S. market.
Industry
- Venture Capital – Ducera Partners engages in venture capital, utilizing AI for innovative investment strategies, aligning with industry standards.
- Investment Banking – Ducera applies advanced data analytics to traditional investment banking, seeking disruption in M&A strategies.
- Artificial Intelligence – Central to Ducera's operation is the use of AI to evaluate private companies, marking a distinctive evolution in investment methodologies.
Financials
- 850 billion – Amount of transactions advised by Ducera Partners since its founding.
- 100 billion – Current annual deals advised by Ducera.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Ducera Partners | Investment Firm | Company | A New York-based investment firm using AI for valuations in M&A and venture capital. |
Thomas Thurston | Chief Technology Officer | Person | CTO at Ducera Partners, advocating the firm's AI-driven investment strategies. |
Corteva Agriscience | Strategic Corporate Partner | Company | A public company partnered with Ducera for VC deals, highlighted within Ducera's AI strategies. |
Goldman Sachs | Comparison | Company | Mentioned as a leading M&A bank, representing traditional investment strategies. |
WR Hambrecht & Co. | Historical Background | Company | The firm where Ducera's leadership, including Thurston, previously worked, experienced in investment banking. |