What the 2026 deal data shows
ProCloser Deal Index, primary-source documented
Across 34 deals that published a price
Share of deals with identified buyer type
AI software valuations separated sharply in 2026 between applied companies with revenue and infrastructure plays priced for scarcity. For an applied or vertical AI business, buyers look through the label and underwrite what the software does, how defensible the data advantage is and whether revenue survives model commoditization.
What actually moves the number
- Proprietary data or workflow position a foundation model cannot replicate
- Revenue durability if underlying model costs or capabilities shift
- Real usage metrics rather than pilot counts
- Gross margin after inference costs
Strategic buyers dominated tracked AI acquisitions this year, which shapes process design.
How to get a real estimate
Three steps beat any rule of thumb. First, run your revenue, EBITDA and sector through the ProCloser valuation calculator for an indicative range. Second, look at actual comparable transactions in the deal index rather than survey multiples. Third, remember that the spread between a bilateral offer and a competitive process is usually larger than the spread between valuation methods; our advisor rankings cover who runs those processes for companies like yours.
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