Baird Sharpens Its Dealmaking Edge with Ren’s Purpose-Built AI

With a 100-year history of success and over 1,000 M&A transactions since 2020, Baird is a global leader in investment banking. Baird continues to invest in data analytics and artificial intelligence, particularly as it relates to differentiated tools that empower its bankers in their ability to advise and support clients.

Ren has become a key component of this advanced technology stack, enabling more than 100 bankers at the firm to enhance client service and uncover new business opportunities with greater speed and precision.

01 The Opportunity

Actionable Intelligence in a World of Noise

For elite bankers, the primary challenge is not a lack of information, but an excess of it. The key is to surface actionable intelligence from the firm’s vast network and market signals efficiently.

“Ren has the ability to surface key relationships, news and make it actionable in a way that previously didn't exist.”

Ross Williams

COO of Global Investment Banking

“Without a tool like Ren, the biggest challenge you have is just a ton of noise and very little time,” notes Justin Prichard, Managing Director of Baird’s Global Technology and Services team. “If I’ve got any spare time, I’m thinking about how do I get to know clients better? How do I get closer to them? It’s about sustaining long-term relationships.”

Baird recognized the need for a purpose-built AI solution that could integrate seamlessly into a senior banker’s workflow, filtering out irrelevant data and highlighting timely, relevant triggers for client engagement. Chief Operating Officer of Global Investment Banking, Ross Williams, provides a simple analogy.

“It used to be you'd have Excel for modeling, PowerPoint for presentations. You would grab your screwdriver to screw something in, and you'd grab your hammer to nail it,” he explains. “But there's this eye-opening experience when you start using these natural language tools where you expect more – Ren has the ability to surface key relationships and news and make it actionable in a way that previously didn't exist.”

Baird recognized the need for a purpose-built AI solution that could integrate seamlessly into a senior bankerʼs workflow, filtering out irrelevant data and highlighting timely, relevant triggers for client engagement. Chief Operating Officer of Global Investment Banking, Ross Williams, provides a simple analogy.

“It used to be you'd have Excel for modeling, PowerPoint for presentations. You would grab your screwdriver to screw something in, and you'd grab your hammer to nail it,” he explains. “But there's this eye-opening experience when you start using these natural language tools where you expect more – Ren has the ability to surface key relationships and news and make it actionable in a way that previously didn't exist.”

02 The Solution

A Strategic Partnership for Enhanced Productivity

After a successful pilot, the firm deployed Ren across its banking teams, seeing immediate value. The platform is now an integral part of the daily routine for many senior bankers, helping them monitor signals across hundreds of thousands of contacts and companies.

For each banker, Ren generates a daily average of nine potential touchpoints with targets and clients.

“For the first 20 minutes of every day, I go to Ren. Ren has helpful triggers to make your client know you’re thinking about them. I’ve had clients say I sent it to them before they’d even seen the article about them. It’s a real benefit for us.”

Justin Prichard

Managing Director

03 The Results

A Partnership Driving Tangible Value

The adoption of Ren exemplifies Baird’s successful, long-term AI strategy: focus on solving real business problems to drive efficiency and deepen relationships.

Productivity Gains: The firm measures success by productivity and efficiency. With tools like Ren, tasks that once took a banker hours now take just a few minutes.

Senior Banker Adoption: A reflection of the platformʼs value, senior bankers find the toolʼs insights useful and impactful, driving widespread adoption.

Strategic Alignment: Baird is deepening its partnership with Ren, including a direct integration with Salesforce to further streamline workflows and deliver intelligence directly to its bankers.

By leaning on trusted partners like Ren, Baird continues to build on its legacy of excellence, proving that a thoughtful, sustained investment in technology is critical to maintaining a competitive edge in modern investment banking.