Ari Kaufman  ·  2026

The AI Operator
Playbook

How a PE-backed operating CEO turns the SaaS valuation crisis into a wealth creation engine using a systematic AI deployment model.

30
Years operating
PE-backed tech companies
7
Company exits
including a public IPO
5+
PE CEO roles
lower & middle market
10x
Enterprise value increase
conservative case
The Deck
AriKaufman_AIOperatorPlaybook.pdf Download PDF
Download the deck Schedule 15 minutes
The Thesis in 30 Seconds
01
Rebuild From Within
Skunkworks audit identifies what AI can replace. Compress cost structure systematically while protecting revenue and client relationships.
02
Acquire & Compress
Buy revenue, not technology. Apply the same AI agent playbook to every acquisition. Revenue holds. EBITDA explodes.
03
Multiply the Multiple
Lower cost base on the same revenue rerates the exit valuation. Rinse and repeat across the portfolio.
Illustrative — $50M ARR Company
$5M
EBITDA entering
10% margin
$18.5M
EBITDA after
37% margin
$17.5M
Valuation before
3.5x EBITDA
$185M
Valuation after
10x EBITDA
Assumes 30% OpEx compression via AI agent deployment. Same revenue. Zero new customers required. This is the conservative case. Target companies: $25M to $100M+ ARR, PE-backed, lower and middle market.
Next Step

15 minutes is all it takes.

If a company in your portfolio is facing valuation compression, a leadership transition, or needs an operator who arrives with a specific plan, let's talk.

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