Gartner: Companies are selling assets to fund new AI investments

The emerging trend; Major companies are increasingly considering the sale of non-core assets specifically to fund artificial intelligence projects and developments.

• A Gartner survey reveals that 90% of Chief Information Officers are concerned about managing the costs associated with AI implementation
• Nearly all senior data leaders (98%) at Fortune 1000 companies anticipate increasing their AI spending in 2025
• Traditional cost-cutting measures like staff reductions and budget reallocation are being supplemented by more dramatic strategic moves

Notable transactions; Recent major divestitures by technology companies signal a growing willingness to sell valuable assets to fund AI initiatives.

• Synopsys sold its security testing software business for $2.1 billion
• OpenText divested its application modernization business for $2.28 billion
• According to an EY survey, 59% of IT sector CEOs plan to pursue divestment, spin-off, or IPO within the next year

Industry perspective; Technology sector experts and analysts offer varying views on the motivations behind these strategic moves.

• James Brundage of EY notes that companies, particularly in the IT sector, are fundamentally reevaluating their business models to accommodate AI investments
• Some industry observers express skepticism, suggesting that divestitures may be driven by multiple factors beyond just AI funding
• The trend appears most pronounced in the technology sector but shows signs of potentially expanding to other industries

Alternative funding approaches; Companies are exploring multiple financing options beyond asset sales to support their AI initiatives.

• Private equity investments remain a significant source of AI funding
• Creative financing solutions, including private credit arrangements, are emerging as alternatives to traditional funding methods
• Organizations continue to employ conventional cost-reduction strategies alongside these newer approaches

Strategic implications; The willingness to divest established business units represents a significant shift in how companies view AI’s strategic importance.

• This trend suggests that many organizations see AI as so crucial to their future that they’re willing to reshape their core business to fund it
• The movement could lead to significant restructuring across industries as companies realign their portfolios around AI capabilities
• Questions remain about the long-term sustainability and wisdom of funding AI through asset sales, particularly if the expected returns don’t materialize