Perella Weinberg Hires AI Expert to Lead Software Advisory Push

NEW YORK, NY – February 03, 2026 – Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP) announced today that it has hired veteran technology banker Daniel Avrutsky as a Partner, a strategic move designed to bolster its advisory services at the increasingly critical intersection of software, artificial intelligence, and the future of work.

Based in New York, Mr. Avrutsky joins from Jefferies and will focus on providing strategic and financial advice to clients in the software sector, with a specific emphasis on human capital management (HCM) and AI. The move is a clear signal of PWP's intent to capture a larger share of the burgeoning M&A market driven by corporate digital transformation.

A Strategic Play in the AI and Software Arena

Avrutsky's appointment is more than just a senior hire; it represents a calculated bet on the future of corporate advisory. His deep specialization in AI and workforce technology arrives at a moment when these fields are not just growing, but fundamentally reshaping the global business landscape. The "future of work" is no longer a buzzword but a reality defined by hybrid work models, automation, and a constant need for upskilling, all of which are powered by sophisticated software.

The market for Human Capital Management (HCM) software is expanding rapidly as companies seek integrated platforms to manage everything from recruitment and payroll to employee engagement and retention. The integration of AI into these platforms is creating a new frontier of predictive analytics and personalized employee experiences, making expert advice in this niche invaluable.

PWP is positioning itself to guide clients through this complex transition. The firm's CEO, Andrew Bednar, highlighted the strategic importance of this expertise. "Daniel has established himself as a leading expert in software, particularly at the intersection of workforce technology and AI," Bednar stated in the press release. "As AI fundamentally reshapes how organizations operate and compete, and as companies reimagine the very nature of work itself, Daniel's insight will be invaluable in helping clients navigate these transformative shifts and capitalize on unprecedented opportunities."

This focus aligns with a powerful market trend. Global technology M&A volume reached $602 billion in 2025, a 44% year-over-year increase, with AI-related deals becoming a primary driver. Companies are aggressively acquiring AI capabilities to enhance their products, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge, creating a fertile ground for advisory firms with the right expertise.

The Competitive Edge of Talent

In the fiercely competitive world of independent advisory, talent is the ultimate currency. PWP's successful recruitment of Avrutsky from a rival like Jefferies underscores the ongoing "war for talent" among top firms. Attracting seasoned bankers with deep-seated client relationships and niche expertise is a key differentiator in a crowded market that includes heavyweights like Evercore, Lazard, and specialized tech boutiques such as Qatalyst Partners.

Mr. Avrutsky brings over two decades of technology investment banking experience to the firm. His impressive resume includes a previous stint at Perella Weinberg Partners, making this a homecoming. His career has also seen him in the software practice at private equity giant Warburg Pincus and in senior technology banking roles at JEGI, JP Morgan, and Bank of America. This diverse background, spanning advisory, private equity, and bulge-bracket banking, provides him with a unique, multifaceted perspective on the technology landscape.

For PWP, bringing a professional of Avrutsky's caliber back into the fold is a significant win. It not only enhances their software advisory capabilities but also sends a strong message to the market about the firm's growth ambitions and its ability to attract and retain top-tier talent. This move is emblematic of a broader strategy where independent firms leverage their agile structures and specialized focus to compete effectively against larger, full-service banks.

Bolstering an Expanding Tech Practice

Avrutsky's arrival is the latest in a series of strategic investments PWP has made to strengthen its global technology advisory practice. The firm's leadership has clearly identified technology, particularly in Europe and North America, as a key pillar for future growth.

This expansionary push has been visible for some time. In 2021, PWP launched its European tech team, which has since grown to include 30 dealmakers. The firm has aggressively added talent to this group, recently hiring Mathijn Queis from Evercore to focus on European software and Will Forbes, also from Evercore, to lead insurtech and fintech coverage. The addition of Christopher Frost from Raine Group to head advisory in video games and media technology further illustrates a strategy of building out deep vertical expertise.

Avrutsky’s hire fits perfectly within PWP's stated corporate strategy, which includes pillars like "Grow The Core" by strengthening existing teams and "Expand Into Grey Space" by adding adjacent capabilities. By bringing in a partner with a specific focus on AI and the future of work, PWP is both deepening its core software practice and expanding into one of the most dynamic "grey spaces" in the entire market.

The firm's recent deal flow demonstrates the existing momentum in its technology practice. PWP has recently advised on several significant transactions, including acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Wonderbelly on its sale to Procter & Gamble, advising Lakera on its sale to Check Point Software, and serving as financial advisor to Absolute Software in its $870 million sale to Crosspoint Capital. This track record provides a solid foundation upon which Avrutsky can build.

Riding the Wave of Tech M&A

The decision to double down on software and AI advisory is underpinned by robust financial performance and a bullish outlook on the M&A market. Perella Weinberg has demonstrated significant growth, with revenues increasing 35% in 2024 to $878.0 million, driven by a greater number and size of transactions. This strong performance provides the firm with the capital and confidence to invest in high-growth areas.

CEO Andrew Bednar has noted that he sees encouraging signs in the market, viewing M&A not as a short-term cycle but as a critical long-term corporate strategy. With significant purchasing power held by both strategic corporate buyers and private equity funds, the demand for high-quality M&A targets, especially in tech, is expected to remain strong.

By recruiting Daniel Avrutsky, Perella Weinberg Partners is not just hiring a partner; it is making a strategic acquisition of expertise. This move positions the firm to better serve its clients as they navigate the complexities of a business world being rewritten by artificial intelligence and software innovation. As companies across all sectors race to adapt, the demand for sophisticated, forward-looking advice will only grow, and PWP has clearly signaled its intent to be a leading voice in that conversation.