Deloitte has indicated that private companies in the United States are rapidly transitioning from tentative experimentation with digital technologies and artificial intelligence to widespread, practical deployment, according to fresh research from Deloitte Private. The new research study underscores how these businesses are channeling investments into tools that promise tangible gains in revenue and efficiency, rather than merely testing concepts.
Conducted in late March 2026 among 100 senior executives—including CEOs, CFOs, presidents, board members, and owners—at privately held U.S. firms generating between $100 million and more than $1 billion in annual revenue, the survey paints a picture of heightened urgency.
Industry professionals identified revenue expansion as their foremost goal for the coming year, cited by 71 percent, followed closely by productivity improvements at 62 percent.
Strikingly, more than half (52 percent) now rank broadening AI adoption across their operations among their top three priorities—a sharp rise from just 22 percent in the prior year’s results.
The data reveal that 63 percent of respondents are committing substantial resources to digital transformation efforts that encompass AI, while another 33 percent are pursuing more targeted pilot programs.
Funding for these initiatives is coming predominantly from within: half of executives plan to redirect existing budgets, and 43 percent will draw on current operating funds, minimizing reliance on outside borrowing or investment.
Larger organizations appear to be pulling ahead in reaping rewards. Among companies with revenues of $500 million or more, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) report moderate to significant returns on their AI spending.
In contrast, only 11 percent of smaller peers have seen comparable payoffs. Similarly, 74 percent of the bigger firms are expanding AI capabilities into specific departments, compared with 38 percent of those below the $500 million threshold.
Executives anticipate the greatest benefits in workforce productivity and streamlined operations, a view shared by 93 percent of participants. Yet hurdles remain.
The most frequently cited obstacle is poor data quality or limited availability, noted by 72 percent.
Other significant challenges include shortages in AI expertise and tech-savvy leadership (53 percent), difficulties integrating new systems with outdated infrastructure (48 percent), and struggles to move initiatives beyond initial trials (also 48 percent).
Board-level involvement is strong in certain areas, with 70 percent of respondents highlighting active oversight of technology spending, 67 percent on cybersecurity, and 64 percent on data governance, privacy, and regulatory matters.
However, far fewer boards are focusing on ethical AI guidelines (25 percent) or building internal leadership skills for digital change (22 percent).
“Private enterprises are advancing beyond initial AI trials and are now deploying the technology to fuel expansion, boost efficiency, and speed up decision-making,” remarked Wolfe Tone, vice chair and U.S. Deloitte Private leader.
He noted that many are already witnessing positive outcomes, but sustained progress will hinge on embedding AI thoughtfully into leadership structures, governance frameworks, and daily operations.
Tone emphasized that privately held firms often benefit from greater flexibility and quicker alignment, yet turning that edge into scalable success demands focused, methodical implementation.
Overall, the research study findings signal a maturing mindset among private companies.
Deloitte concluded that while their nimbleness offers a competitive edge, experts caution that overcoming barriers around data, talent, and legacy systems will be essential to fully capitalize on these investments. As AI moves from novelty to necessity, disciplined execution could define which firms thrive in the years ahead.