Boston-Based Astira Capital Partners Appoints Manoj Kothiyal as Partner, Head of AI

BOSTON–Astira Capital Partners has appointed Manoj Kothiyal as partner and head of artificial intelligence, bringing in a former Boston Consulting Group executive to lead AI adoption across the private equity firm’s operations and portfolio companies.

The Boston-based investment firm, which focuses on business and professional services companies, said Kothiyal will oversee efforts to integrate applied AI into portfolio company operations, service delivery and long-term growth strategies.

His appointment reflects Astira’s increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence as a tool for improving operational efficiency, strengthening customer relationships and developing new business capabilities within the specialized services sector.

In his new role, Kothiyal will work directly with portfolio company founders and management teams to identify opportunities for implementing AI-driven technologies.

His responsibilities will include developing AI capabilities that improve service quality, expand access to specialized expertise and help portfolio companies adapt to changing customer expectations.

“We are at an inflection point for specialist services. Applied AI is changing what customers can expect, how expertise can be delivered and where enduring value will be created,” said Azra Kanji, founder and managing partner of Astira.

“This is a strategic shift for the sector we invest in. Manoj brings the experience to help us see its full potential and work with management teams to build companies that set a higher standard for their customers.”

Kothiyal brings experience in artificial intelligence, enterprise technology strategy and digital transformation across multiple industries.

Before joining Astira, he served as chief business officer and global head of AI at LTM, formerly known as LTIMindtree.

In that position, he was involved in developing and implementing AI strategies and technology-driven business solutions.

Earlier in his career, Kothiyal was a managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group, where he worked across the firm’s consumer and operations practices.

He also contributed to expanding internal AI development capabilities at BCG X, Boston Consulting Group’s technology and innovation division.

His work included involvement with proprietary AI products such as SNOW AI, reflecting his experience in developing technology platforms intended to support enterprise decision-making and business operations.

Astira said Kothiyal’s background in both strategic consulting and AI product development will support the firm’s efforts to introduce new technologies across its investment portfolio.

The company is particularly focused on using applied AI to help professional services businesses deliver specialized knowledge more efficiently while maintaining service quality.

“Applied AI presents the opportunity to rethink service delivery,” said Chris Ritchie, partner at Astira.

“The businesses that convey deep subject-matter expertise to customers with greater consistency, reach and responsiveness can deliver a fundamentally better experience. Across our portfolio, Manoj will work with management teams to pursue that opportunity, with a focus on delivering stronger service models, higher quality and durable growth.”

Private equity firms are increasingly exploring how artificial intelligence can improve the performance of their portfolio companies, particularly in industries that rely heavily on professional expertise, complex workflows and customer service.

For business services companies, potential applications include automating routine administrative tasks, improving access to organizational knowledge, supporting decision-making and developing more responsive customer service systems.

Astira’s strategy centers on incorporating these capabilities into the operations of its portfolio companies while allowing management teams to determine how the technology can best support their business models.

Kothiyal said the growing capabilities of applied AI could change how specialized services companies make their expertise available to customers.

“Applied AI is opening a new era for specialist services, one in which a firm’s deepest expertise can be available in more of the moments that matter to customers,” said Kothiyal.

“It gives professionals more room to exercise the judgment and build the relationships that set great companies apart. At Astira, I see an opportunity to help management teams make these capabilities central to their businesses and create lasting value for customers.”

The appointment builds on Astira’s existing AI-related resources within its investment and portfolio management teams.

The firm said it intends to continue working with portfolio company executives to identify technology investments and operational changes that can improve service delivery and support sustainable business growth.

Astira did not disclose additional financial details related to the appointment.

The addition of Kothiyal establishes a dedicated senior leadership position for AI at the firm as it seeks to incorporate emerging technologies more deeply into its investment strategy and portfolio company operations.