Affinda Acquires Pathfindr to Boost AI Transformation

In a strategic move designed to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence within the corporate world, Affinda Group has acquired Pathfindr in an all-scrip transaction valued at fifteen million Australian dollars. This acquisition brings together two complementary Australian AI specialists, creating a more comprehensive service offering for businesses navigating digital transformation.

Pathfindr, established in 2023 by former Accenture AI practice leader Dawid Naude, specializes in helping companies implement AI through structured training programs and direct delivery support. Its client roster includes notable names like the Victorian Government and Honey Insurance. This expertise directly enhances Affinda Group’s core business, which centers on providing AI transformation and business process automation solutions through its Affinda subsidiary.

Timothy Toner, Co-founder and CEO of Affinda Group, emphasized the critical importance of user adoption. He stated that the fastest route to generating value from AI involves two key actions: empowering staff to use AI tools effectively and automating fundamental business processes. Toner noted that many customers feel overwhelmed by the technology, unsure where to begin or how to scale their initiatives. He praised Pathfindr’s founder, Dawid Naude, for his exceptional ability to foster enterprise-wide change and translate uncertainty into tangible progress, calling his team the best at cutting through industry noise.

Dawid Naude echoed this sentiment, explaining that Pathfindr’s mission is to help organizations build lasting AI capabilities within their workforce and operational practices immediately, not years down the line. He expressed that joining Affinda Group provides the scale, technical resources, and global presence needed to deliver real AI value to a broader range of clients. His decision to roll one hundred percent of Pathfindr’s equity into the acquiring company underscores a strong belief in the combined venture’s potential.

This acquisition announcement aligns with the recent launch of Affinda’s new document processing platform. Developed under the guidance of Head of AI Andrew Bird, the platform enables businesses to quickly configure and deploy AI agents. These agents can automate document-heavy workflows in 56 different languages and integrate with over four hundred enterprise systems.

Ben Toner, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Affinda Group, commented on the market’s needs, stating that outcomes matter more than additional product features. He affirmed Affinda’s commitment to pairing its technology with expert services to solve underlying business challenges. Toner highlighted the synergy of the acquisition, noting that “they train the people we automate the work.” He looks forward to collaborating with Naude, whose profound understanding of driving change in large organizations is matched by a genuinely infectious enthusiasm for AI adoption.

As demand for AI-driven business transformation continues to surge, the combined forces of Affinda and Pathfindr offer organizations a more direct and efficient pathway to capturing measurable value from artificial intelligence. This strategic move supports Affinda Group’s broader ambition to grow into an Australian-born AI company with significant global influence and reach.

(Source: ITWire Australia)