Businesses have often found it challenging to achieve a clear return on investment from implementing AI solutions. In response, AI firms are exploring a fresh approach to ensure their technology gains traction: forming alliances with major consulting groups.

This week, French AI research lab Mistral AI and international consulting leader Accenture revealed a multi-year collaboration. The partnership will focus on creating enterprise technology solutions powered by Mistral’s AI models for client organizations. Specific financial details and the exact length of the agreement were not made public.

A key component of the deal involves Accenture becoming a Mistral customer itself, deploying the AI technology across its own workforce. Although Mistral is frequently viewed as a more compact European counterpart to large U.S.-based AI "startups," this partnership demonstrates its ability to secure equally significant clients. Notably, both OpenAI and Anthropic have also recently announced their own agreements with Accenture.

This move aligns with a growing trend of AI companies joining forces with consulting firms. Just this Monday, OpenAI introduced its "Frontier Alliance" program, teaming up with four major consultancies, including Accenture, to promote its new OpenAI Frontier AI agent governance platform to corporate clients. Similarly, Anthropic has established partnerships with IBM and Deloitte.

The critical question remains: will collaborating with consulting firms unlock broader enterprise adoption of AI? While the answer is still uncertain, what is evident is that AI companies are actively pursuing this strategy to find out.