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Typically, investors focus on more traditional asset classes, like stocks and bonds, where information is often readily available and digestible. Sometimes, however, sophisticated qualifying investors increase their capital allocations to private markets for reasons they believe are compelling enough to make it worth taking the risk. This primer will provide an introduction to private markets investing, explore key reasons behind why investors allocate capital to the asset class, and evaluate some of the key risks and challenges that potential investors should consider.

Despite the hurdles and distinct challenges that come with adding private markets to an investment portfolio, many of the most sophisticated institutional investors are allocating to private markets. Historically, the asset class has generally outperformed public markets due to a range of factors, including the broader investment landscape, information inefficiencies, and operational control. Fueled by a less efficient market and significant operational control, private markets are likely to continue their track record of outperformance.

The success of a private equity fund’s investment in a portfolio company largely hinges on the performance of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Initially chosen CFOs may be ideal for early goals, but market shifts might necessitate a change in CFO to adapt and succeed. Understanding the unique skills of different CFO archetypes is key for funds to make timely, effective leadership decisions.

While the market for private sales has slowed, private equity companies have record amounts of dry powder they need to put to work—for the right companies, this may be the ideal time to explore a business sale or capital raise. In this podcast episode of Business Insights, Terry Hill, Partner in BPM’s Advisory Practice, is joined by Tara Smith Kacher, Managing Director at Cowen Inc. Together, they discuss what strategic buyers are looking for and how companies can best position themselves for M&A transactions.

As private equity (PE) fund managers and portfolio companies look ahead in 2024, they anticipate a changing exit landscape, hurdles in meeting their investment theses, and ongoing talent obstacles. To meet the inevitable dealmaking challenges (and opportunities), there are 5 PE trends to keep in mind: (1) the ramifications of the U.S.

President Joe Biden’s executive order targeting U.S. investments in certain industries in China has raised questions about its impact on global markets and investment portfolios. In examining its potential effects, NEPC’s Senior Investment Director, Jennifer Appel, shares her insights on what the executive order means for investors. She also provides perspectives on Chinese private markets, China’s debt levels, the high unemployment rate and uncertain economy, and the long-term views on investing in China.

Private equity faces a crossroads. Looking at a challenging economy, the industry plans to turn its attention inward to current portfolio companies. From this 2023 BDO Private Capital Survey Report, learn where the private equity industry plans to invest capital and create value; how larger and smaller funds are deploying capital differently; how portfolio companies are experiencing staffing shortages and leadership skill gaps; how organic value creation is taking center stage; and how fund managers are changing their perspectives on viable exit paths.

This series of short, educational videos provides an overview of the core elements of investing and some of the asset classes most commonly used in portfolio construction. Download the full presentation deck and explore the educational modules on the topics of interest that include:

The closures of Silvergate, Signature, and Silicon Valley Banks may have shaken the private equity marketplace, but that doesn't mean private markets aren't still attractive opportunities for investors who understand the risks involved. Here are a few considerations for family offices and high-net-worth investors to keep in mind as they partner with advisors to access the private equity market.