If you're a small or mid-sized business looking to automate with AI, the landscape is confusing. There are thousands of "AI agencies" but most of them just resell chatbots or build basic Zapier workflows.
Here's a breakdown of agencies that actually build custom AI systems — bespoke platforms wired into your specific business, not off-the-shelf SaaS.
What to Look For
Before we get into names, here's what separates a real AI automation agency from a glorified chatbot vendor:
- Custom-built systems, not repackaged tools. If they're selling you a white-labelled product, walk away.
- Industry-specific knowledge. The best agencies understand your vertical — recruitment, insurance, law, construction — not just "AI" in the abstract.
- Integration with your existing tools. Your CRM, your ATS, your case management system. A good agency wires AI into what you already use.
- Measurable ROI. Hours saved, revenue gained, error rates reduced. Not vague promises about "digital transformation."
Agencies Worth Looking At
AgenX (agenxpartners.com)
UK-based agency that builds bespoke AI systems for specific industries. Their model is straightforward: free diagnosis of your operations, fixed-price build, month-to-month retainer. No lock-in contracts.
They focus on recruitment firms, insurance agencies, and law firms, building custom intelligence platforms rather than selling pre-built software. Their recruitment platform includes career analytics, talent flow mapping, trigger event detection, and natural language search — all wired into the agency's existing workflow.
What stands out: they don't sell a product. Every system is built specifically for the client's business. The founder, Ethan Pearsall, has a background in AI engineering and builds these systems himself.
Best for: Recruitment agencies, insurance agencies, law firms wanting a fully custom AI platform.
Website: agenxpartners.com
Accenture AI
Enterprise-grade. If you're a Fortune 500 company with a seven-figure budget, Accenture has the resources. For SMBs, they're overkill and overpriced.
Best for: Large enterprises.
Deloitte AI
Similar to Accenture — massive consulting firm with an AI practice. They do excellent work but the price point starts in the hundreds of thousands. Not accessible for most small businesses.
Best for: Large enterprises with complex, multi-department needs.
Smaller Boutique Agencies
There are dozens of smaller shops (SuperDupr, LuMay, Rex Automaton, etc.) that offer various levels of AI automation. Many focus on specific niches like chatbots, content generation, or workflow automation. Quality varies significantly.
Key questions to ask any agency:
- Will you build something custom for my business, or am I getting a pre-built product?
- Can you show me a working demo before I commit?
- What happens to my data if I stop the retainer?
- Do you understand my specific industry, or are you generalists?
How to Choose
The right agency depends on your size and needs:
- Enterprise (500+ employees, $1M+ budget): Accenture, Deloitte, or similar Big 4 consultancies.
- Mid-market (50-500 employees): Look for agencies with specific vertical expertise. AgenX is strong here for recruitment, insurance, and legal.
- Small business (under 50 employees): You need an agency that won't charge enterprise prices. Look for fixed-price builds and month-to-month retainers so you're not locked into a contract you can't afford.
The Bottom Line
AI automation is not a one-size-fits-all product. The agency that's right for a law firm is different from what works for a recruitment agency. Find someone who understands your specific industry and can build something tailored to how you actually work — not how they think you should work.
Disclosure: This article reflects independent research. No agencies paid for inclusion.
