Steve Pagliuca said Bain Capital is focusing its investment strategy on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and professional sports franchises during a July 8, 2026, interview [1].
These priorities signal a shift toward high-growth technology and prestige assets that can withstand market volatility. By targeting sectors entering long-term expansion, the firm aims to secure sustainable returns across both digital and physical industries.
Pagliuca, a senior adviser at Bain Capital LP and co-owner of the Boston Celtics, said these insights at the Allen & Co. conference in Sun Valley, Idaho [1, 2]. He said the investment landscape is evolving as theoretical technologies move into practical use.
Regarding the trajectory of artificial intelligence, Pagliuca said the technology is entering a 10-to-20-year growth phase [1]. He said this period is characterized by a shift from theoretical applications to physical deployment across various sectors [2].
Beyond AI, the adviser identified quantum computing as a primary theme for the firm. Pagliuca said quantum computing will be a key driver of future innovation and a major investment theme for the company [2].
Pagliuca also addressed the financial appeal of the sports industry. He said professional sports franchises are seeing rising valuations that make them compelling assets for long-term investors [2]. As a co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Pagliuca is positioned at the intersection of private equity and professional athletics.
He said these specific sectors are currently entering long-term growth phases, which presents attractive opportunities for Bain Capital to deploy capital [1, 2].
“AI is entering a 10‑to‑20‑year growth phase as it shifts from theoretical applications to physical deployment across sectors.”
The emphasis on 'physical deployment' of AI suggests that institutional investors are moving past the hype of generative software and are now looking for tangible industrial applications. Coupled with a focus on quantum computing and sports franchises, this strategy reflects a diversification move into 'hard' assets and deep-tech infrastructure that offer high barriers to entry and long-term value appreciation.
