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