‘We go big’: Jon Gray on how Blackstone places its AI bets
The $1.3 trillion firm is staying bullish but investing “through the lens that this may change.”
Blackstone, the firm co-founded by Steve Schwarzman, has amassed over $1.3 trillion in capital under Jon Gray's leadership as president and chief operating officer. While the AI revolution presents significant opportunities, Gray acknowledges uncertainty surrounding future cash flows. He emphasizes that Blackstone's pro-AI convictions should not become a regrettable consensus if circumstances change.
To mitigate risk, Gray invests in AI through the lens that the technology may change, always seeking ways to limit downside. Blackstone's diversified approach includes hard infrastructure and the "picks and shovels" of this AI gold rush, ensuring the firm always has sellable assets. The firm encourages open debate in investment meetings, fostering a skeptical culture where doubts can be raised, even among seasoned professionals.
Gray emphasizes that criticism should never be personal but focused on achieving the right answers for the firm's customers. Despite facing outsized scrutiny, Gray believes Blackstone's scale will help the firm navigate market volatility, and he expects private credit's performance to be better than the anticipated crisis.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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