AI is transforming private markets by revolutionizing investment strategies across the spectrum of alternative asset classes. AI-driven tools have the potential to enhance deal sourcing, due diligence, and predictive modeling; and machine learning and data analytics may be used to improve risk assessment, asset valuation, and portfolio optimization. How are these tools being implemented? What are the challenges, the opportunities, and the risks? Join this panel for a conversation about AI’s growing influence on private markets.

 

PANELISTS

Drew Conway

Head of Data Science, Private Investments, Two Sigma

Chris Fisher

Senior Director of Product, Aladdin Product Management, BlackRock

Benjamin Levy

Partner, Co-Head of Ares Venture Capital and AI & Innovation Groups, Ares Management

Even as M&A activity slowed in recent years, the independent sponsor segment of private equity has continued to expand and mature. Traditionally limited to lower middle markets, industry observers note an increasing number of larger middle market transactions. During this panel, speakers will discuss the state of this market, the benefits and challenges of the sponsor model, and considerations for investors and managers in this rapidly evolving space.

This roundtable will tackle the most pressing issues shaping the private equity landscape: from deal sourcing to data analytics, from navigating valuations to managing risk, and from economic uncertainty to regulatory changes. Join this roundtable for a wide-ranging discussion about all things PE.

 

MODERATOR

Mike Krems

Partner, Aksia

 

PANELISTS

Craig Demko

Director, Private Equity, NC Department of State Treasurer

Michael Rost

Managing Director, PNC Riverarch Equity Partners

Patricia Miller Zollar

Head of NorthBound Equity Partners & Managing Director, Neuberger Berman

“Performance in Private Markets: A Look at Trends, Valuations and Liquidity“

 

SPEAKER

Akash Chitrey

Senior Associate, Portfolio Management, StepStone Group

“Performance of Closed-End RE Funds”

 

SPEAKER

Bryan Reid

Executive Director, MSCI

Perpetual capital has become one of the cornerstone themes in private markets in the last year. These “evergreen funds” allow managers to reinvest fund proceeds and focus on sustainable value creation. However, they may also present liquidity and alignment issues. These structural differences between evergreens and traditional closed-end funds may affect manager decisions such as type, timing, and strategy for fund investments. This panel examines issues related to evergreen fund portfolio management that are important for both GPs and LPs to consider when making investment decisions.

 

MODERATOR

Dominic Garcia

Chief Pension Investment Strategist, CBRE

 

PANELISTS

Isaac Beckel

Managing Investment Officer, Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System

Paul McGeough

Managing Director, BlackRock

Drew Snow

Principal, US Evergreen Portfolio Manager, HarbourVest

As multi-strategy hedge funds enjoy their recent increased prominence, this panel will discuss both the advantages of this model, as well as the challenges these funds face. How have multi-strat funds evolved in the face of increased investor demand and a competitive landscape, and what is their role in the broader alternative investment space?

 

MODERATOR

Jon Caplis

CEO & Founder, PivotalPath

 

PANELISTS

Jay Mehalek

Senior Investment Analyst, UNC Management Company

Dan Villalon

Principal and Global Co-head of the Portfolio Solutions Group, AQR Capital Management

This panel will explore the dynamic world of real assets, including real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, and commodities. Have these assets performed as expected during the recent inflationary period, and what are the drivers of growth and demand as we look ahead? The panel will also discuss the increasing demand for digital infrastructure as well as other key trends shaping the diverse category of real assets.

 

PANELISTS

Dwight Anderson

Founder and Managing Partner, Ospraie Management

Laurence Gottlieb

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Fundamental Advisors

Monica Huffer

Portfolio Director of Real Assets, TMRS

Bill Kieser

Principal & Co-Head of Research & Data Science, Ares' Quantitative Research Group, Ares Management

“Choose Your Vehicle: A Closer Look at Private Market Fund Structures “

 

SPEAKER

Juliana Hadas

Alternatives Investment Strategist, Goldman Sachs Asset Management

“Do GP Commitments Matter? “

 

SPEAKER

Greg Brown

Van and Kay Weatherspoon Distinguished Professor of Finance, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School; Founder & Research Director, Institute for Private Capital

This panel will evaluate the current dynamics and the outlook for private equity exits, a critical area for investors seeking to realize returns. How are IPOs, strategic sales, secondaries, and CVs changing timelines? In light of these shifts, how should managers and investors position themselves for the year ahead?

 

MODERATOR

Ralph Eissler

Managing Director & Head of Private Markets Research, Neuberger Berman

 

PANELISTS

Wes Bradle

Senior Portfolio Manager / Head of PE Co-Investments, Florida State Board of Administration

Dan Murphy

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs

The landscape for technology, startups, and the economy continues to rapidly change, while competition for investment opportunities has increased, and firms face increased scrutiny from regulators and the public. Even as valuations are recalibrated, the interest in AI, climate tech, and healthcare innovation remains high. Join our panelists for a discussion of the challenges and the opportunities facing venture capital now, and for the years to come.

 

MODERATOR

David Jones

General Partner, Bull City Venture Partners

 

PANELISTS

Allen Mask

Partner, WestCap Group

Rob Mazzoni

Vice President and Sector Lead, Technology, Wellington Management

The private credit market continued to experience significant growth, with more than $2trillion in assets under management – a tenfold increase since 2009. Given the pace of growth and the way private credit has reshaped the investment landscape, where are the best opportunities in this asset class? What are the major trends and themes for the next phase of growth, and what innovations should we expect in the future?

 

PANELISTS

Omer Ijaz

Senior Managing Director, Portfolio Management, EJF Capital

Michael Severance

Investment Professional, PSERS

“A Latent Factor Cash Flow Model for Alternative Investment Funds“

 

SPEAKER

Wen Cao

BlackRock

“Slower Private Asset Distributions: Implications for Commitment Pacing, Portfolio Risk & Asset Allocation”

 

SPEAKER

Michelle Teng

Vice President, Institutional Advisory & Solutions, PGIM