Aprio launches venture arm to back AI technology companies

US-based accounting and advisory practice Aprio has launched an investment programme called Aprio Ventures.

The company said Aprio Ventures has been designed to identify and support technologies that strengthen the company’s services and improve client experience.

Through the programme, Aprio will invest in early stage technology companies and work directly with their founders.

The aim is to evaluate solutions that can enhance its operations, support its professionals and benefit clients.

Since 2019, Aprio has invested in nearly 20 companies, partnering with founders to trial and scale technology across the professional services sector.

Aprio Ventures brings “greater focus” to this work and gives a clearer structure to pursue opportunities in AI, automation and enterprise software, the company added.

Investments will come with strategic and technical support attached.

This allows Aprio’s professionals to help shape how the technologies are applied, while giving founders backing to scale their businesses.

Aprio CEO Richard Kopelman said: “Aprio Ventures is about building the firm our clients will need in the future.

“By investing in emerging technology and putting promising solutions to work inside Aprio, we can improve how we serve clients and give our professionals more time to focus on meaningful advice.”

The programme sits within Aprio’s Corporate Development team and will be led by Kyle Kling.

Kling will source investment opportunities, build relationships with founders and investors, and connect technologies with leaders across Aprio.

Aprio Ventures supports the company’s wider growth strategy, which includes a five-year, $300m commitment to technology and automation.

Earlier this month, Aprio extended its partnership with Fieldguide to jointly develop role-specific agentic AI tools for audit services.