AI Attracts Former Consultants from Bain, McKinsey, and BCG

The Allure of AI for Former Consultants

The dream of becoming a partner at Bain, McKinsey, or BCG is fading in the face of the rise of artificial intelligence. Many consultants have decided to swap their PowerPoint presentations for startups, driven by the industrial transformations brought about by AI and the new entrepreneurial opportunities it offers.

Some of these former consultants have always had the ambition to start their own business, and AI has provided them with the perfect opportunity to do so. For others, after years of advising companies, the desire to own and lead their own firm has become a logical next step.

An Exodus from the Big Four and a Slowdown in Recruitment

The departure of consultants is not limited to the MBB firms. The Big Four — EY, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG — are also experiencing a growing exodus. James Ransome from Patrick Morgan has referred to this phenomenon as an "exodus" from the major consulting firms.

At the same time, recruitment in the consulting sector has slowed down. According to Revelio Labs, entry-level hiring in consulting firms dropped by 54% in June 2025 compared to the previous year. Hiring at the "manager" level also decreased by 22%.

The Challenge of Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

For those who have made the leap, the transition has not been without difficulties. Nathan Wangliao, who left McKinsey for a startup, described the shift from a spacious office to a modest coworking space with just two colleagues. This new life required relearning how to work, letting go of certain consulting habits like over-analysis and the pursuit of perfect data.

Wangliao even considered going back, finding the transition "too daunting" at first. However, he learned to act quickly and pragmatically, a crucial skill in the startup world.

In discussions with four former consultants, it became clear that leaving the MBB firms to create AI startups was motivated by a mix of personal aspirations and lessons learned from consulting, as well as the necessity to adapt to a radically different environment.