How much does AI consulting cost for PE firms?
It ranges widely. Big 4 AI engagements typically start at $150K-500K+ and run on hourly billing that makes the final number hard to predict. Specialist firms like WorkWise start at $30K for a Discovery Sprint, with Custom Builds priced on scope rather than hours.
The key question is not the fee itself. It is the total cost including the opportunity cost of waiting six months for a Big 4 engagement to produce something, the risk of choosing the wrong firm and starting over, and whether the discovery fee credits toward implementation. Our Sprint fee credits 100% toward any build.
Fixed pricing changes the incentive structure. When the firm gets paid by the hour, slow delivery is profitable. When the price is fixed, fast delivery is profitable. Choose accordingly.