Unusual Group Predicts AI-Powered Global Agencies Major U.S. Investment Shift in 2026

LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 /Unusual Group forecasts that AI-powered agencies will drive the most significant shift in the U.S. services market in 2026. The company warns that investor appetite is moving rapidly toward agencies with automation, AI-led delivery and scalable, data-driven operations, but only when these capabilities are applied effectively.

The perspective comes directly from Luke Tobin, CEO of Unusual Group, who brings extensive knowledge of U.S. markets and active global investment experience, including being a part-owner of A-Frame Venture Studio in the United States. His cross-border exposure gives Unusual Group a frontline view of investor behaviour in both U.S. and international markets. The company 's recent expansion also reflects growing North American demand for agency support.

AI is reshaping every part of agency operations, from delivery to creative workflows, and investors are taking notice. Agencies with AI-led delivery, strong automation and scalable operating models are emerging as top-tier acquisition targets.

Investors are already moving aggressively toward tech-enabled agencies, a trend backed by broader U.S. data. KPMG reports U.S. VC investment reached a 13-quarter high, while Morgan Stanley identifies AI as 2025-2026 's dominant investment force.

Luke Tobin, CEO of Unusual Group, commented: "AI is the dividing line now. Investors are looking for efficiency gains from AI adoption, which in turn drives margin improvement. Agencies that don 't adapt fast, will lose market share and valuation. "

Unusual Group is seeing a decisive shift towards firms that are aggressive in adopting AI. and buyers seeking scalable global operations.

The company 's latest partnership with Epicurean Social in Canada is a clear signal of what 's coming and reflects this shift toward cross-border readiness. European and UK agencies entering the U.S. with AI-enabled operations and modern delivery systems are becoming prime acquisition targets, often outperforming domestic-only competitors from day one.

This shift is accelerated by the broader market reset. After two overheated years, the U.S. services sector has finally stabilised, and investors are moving quickly to secure high-quality, globally capable assets. Schroders latest private-markets outlook highlights a sharp global rise in demand for resilient, international businesses.

Unusual Group expects a wave of cross-border deals in 2026, with AI-enabled, globally operating agencies commanding faster valuations, stronger multiples and heightened buyer competition.

Ali Newton-Temperley, COO of Unusual Group says: "All signs point to 2026 becoming the most competitive M&A cycle since 2019. The difference this time is the speed. Investors are moving earlier, moving faster and showing far more aggression in securing AI-enabled agencies before valuations rise again. "

Unusual Group projects that cross-border expansion will deliver stronger performance than domestic-focused growth in 2026, fuelled by cost efficiencies, quicker operational rollout and increasing investor preference for globally capable agencies.

Unusual Group Forecasts the Key Forces Shaping 2026 Investments

1. AI-Powered Agencies Will Lead Investor Demand

AI adoption is becoming the decisive factor in how agencies are valued heading into 2026. Unusual Group expects investors to prioritise firms with automated delivery systems, AI-driven workflows and strong operational leverage, as efficiency becomes a core requirement for scale in the services market.

2. A Faster, More Competitive M&A Cycle Will Hit the Services Market

With valuations stabilising and capital returning to the sector, Unusual Group believes the U.S. is on the cusp of its most active M&A cycle in years. Many buyers are already scouting AI-first agencies to secure premium assets before competition rises, a pattern seen previously during pre-2019 deal dynamics.

Luke Tobin, CEO of Unusual Group warns that momentum is building quickly: "We 're heading into the fastest M&A cycle since 2019, and AI-first firms are already being targeted. This early movement signals that 2026 could be a breakout year for service-sector dealmaking. "

3. Valuations Will Rise for High-Quality, Tech-Enabled Agencies

As investor appetite strengthens, Unusual Group projects a clear valuation uplift for agencies that demonstrate automation, operational clarity and strong margins. These firms provide predictable returns and scale more efficiently, and valuations for tech-enabled agencies are set to rise sharply as the 2026 window tightens.

4. Cross-Border Agencies Positioned for Outsized Growth

Firms expanding from the UK, Europe and Canada into the U.S. are expected to outperform domestic-only players. Leaner cost structures, faster execution and global delivery capability give these agencies a structural advantage, making them increasingly attractive acquisition targets.

About Unusual Group

Unusual Group is reinventing how agencies grow and exit. Through a unique model that blends minority investment, AI transformation expertise, and a collaborative founder network, Unusual Group empowers agencies to scale sustainably, retain independence, and achieve fairer, more valuable exits.

Founded by Luke Tobin, best known for building Digital Ethos into one of the UK 's fastest-growing digital agencies before leading it to a multimillion-pound exit, Unusual Group is headquartered in London. Tobin is a trusted advisor to agency leaders navigating complex growth and exit strategies and is widely recognised as a leading voice in entrepreneurship and M&A innovation.

Agencies interested in learning more about partnership opportunities can visit https://www.unusualgroup.com/ or contact hello@unusualgroup.com

Media Contact:

Luke Tobin
CEO of Unusual Group
hello@unusualgroup.com

SOURCE: Unusual Group

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