Mapping Private Equity’s Gender Gap
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The macro backdrop for private assets has been volatile in recent years: with investors facing disrupted supply chains to surging inflation, valuation swings and liquidity constraints. Is 2024 a classic inflection point, marking the year things return to “normal”? Or will the effects of these disruptions have more lasting effects? Will Fed cuts and lower costs of capital offer a boost to private assets? How do allocators and investors think about these issues?
A panel discussion focusing on middle markets, a market that has traditionally been more insulated from the competition and valuation risks seen elsewhere. Market fragmentation, lack of institutional capital backing, and less access to debt have provided sustainable barriers to entry. However, investors must balance the advantages of investing in this market with certain inherent risks often present–less developed management teams, risks to exogenous shocks, customer concentration, and more. This panel will consider the opportunities inherent in middle markets investing.
This roundtable will discuss the dynamics expected to shape the sector this year. What does our panel of experts believe are the trends that could transform the PE landscape? And what do they see as appropriate portfolio responses?
Authors: Avi Turetsky, Ares Management; Matthew Pyrz, Ares Management; Barry Griffiths, Private Market Metrics; Joaquin Lujan, Cliffwater; Isaac Beckel, Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (presenting).
Author: Aili Chen, PGIM Institutional Advisory & Solutions
This panel will discuss the evolving role of individual investors in a traditionally institutional space. As access is “democratized” what are the educational, regulatory, product, and technology considerations that participants should take into account? Join the panel of experts as they identify both challenges and the opportunities.
How are investors thinking about managing portfolio liquidity, and how are exit strategies evolving? Whether through secondary buyouts, IPOs, and strategic sales, investors have a need for adaptability in a rapidly changing market. Are there unique strategies to that are being developed to help address some of these challenges (continuation funds, minority sales, NAV loans, fund securitization, etc) – and what role could those play in a well-diversified portfolio?
Allocations to real asset investments – including real estate, natural resources, and agriculture, among others, have been increasing as investors sought attractive total returns over the long term, while maximizing the potential for real returns in periods of rising inflation. The current inflationary environment, political uncertainty, housing affordability, technology disruption and climate change all pose threats and potential opportunities to a diversified portfolio. This roundtable will review strategies for positioning institutional investor portfolios using real assets.
Authors: Lisa Larsson, Stepstone; Qi Liu, StepStone
Authors: Christian Lundblad, Kenan Flagler Business School, UNC
The illiquidity and long-term nature of private market investments presents unique challenges to allocators, especially when market volatility increases. Successful portfolio rebalancing involves a careful evaluation of market dynamics, risk factors, and the evolving investment landscape. This panel will discuss how investors approach portfolio composition and realignment in today’s markets – and how they consider these factors within the risk and return objectives of their own investment strategies.
2023 was marked by strong shifts in VC investing worldwide, on both a deal and dollar volume basis. The landscape for technology, startups, and the economy has rapidly changed; competition for investment opportunities has increased, and firms face increased scrutiny from regulators and the public. Do these market shifts represent a cooling off period, or a more permanent change in the market? How should investors and allocators think about the role of VC? Join our panelists for a discussion of the challenges and the opportunities facing venture capital now, and for the years to come.
A discussion of the outlook for private debt: an asset class that became the third largest private market strategy supported by positive macro factors such as negative real rates and accommodative monetary and fiscal policy. Our roundtable will discuss the impact of the sharp reversal in those factors in the last few years, as well as discuss the major trends and themes of credit quality, liquidity, and regulation.
Authors: Daniel Murphy, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
Authors: Stephen Boyd, Blackrock; Nicholas Crain, Blackrock; Mykel Kochenderfer, Blackrock; Xinyang Li, Blackrock; Kunal Menda, Blackrock; Vidy Vairavamurthy, Blackrock; Misha van Beek, Blackrock.
How have the key risks and opportunities across sectors impacted asset allocation decision making? What key concerns are most frequently voiced from their constituents regarding portfolio investment strategy and performance? Join our roundtable of leading CIOs to discuss the key themes that are driving investment decisions across the portfolio.