AI Thesis to Portfolio: 90-Day Roadmapping
Cross-Industry • ~6–8 min read • Updated Feb 15, 2025
Context
AI portfolios fail when ideas stay on slides. This guide moves from broad AI themes to a ranked, investable portfolio in just 90 days, ensuring capital is deployed on the highest-impact bets first.
Core Framework
The 90-day roadmap follows three guiding disciplines:
- Signals → Bets: Gather market, operational, and risk signals to define clear bet statements.
- Funding Tranches: Allocate capital in stage-gated increments tied to evidence packs.
- Value Tracking: Define success thresholds and track ROI at each gate.
Recommended Actions
- Weeks 1–3 – Signal Mapping: Build a signal taxonomy, capture internal/external data, and align with AI thesis themes.
- Weeks 4–6 – Bet Definition: Translate signals into bet statements, define scope, metrics, and potential impact.
- Weeks 7–9 – Portfolio Ranking: Score use-cases on impact × feasibility × risk, and finalize capital allocation plan.
Common Pitfalls
- Overloading the portfolio with unproven pilots.
- Failing to define stage-gate exit criteria.
- Ignoring the link between portfolio bets and unit economics.
Quick Win Checklist
- Define top 3–5 bets with clear success thresholds.
- Secure stakeholder alignment on capital cadence.
- Stand up a single-view portfolio dashboard.
Closing
A 90-day roadmap transforms AI from a strategic aspiration to an actionable investment plan. By funding on evidence and focusing on ranked bets, leaders can accelerate time-to-impact and maintain portfolio agility.