NextWave Private Equity

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Listen to the NextWave Private Equity podcast series, where EY speaks with industry leaders to discuss emerging opportunities and industry trends shaping the global private equity landscape. The views reflected in this podcast are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.

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April 30, 20267 min

PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q1 2026

Private equity started 2026 with strong momentum, but fresh market volatility shifted dynamics toward greater selectivity. Investors are now focusing on high-quality, well-structured deals, particularly in asset-heavy sectors like energy, utilities, infrastructure and select real estate, where cash flows are visible and inflation linked. AI-led disruption is reshaping software investment strategies, prompting enhanced diligence and targeted investments in AI-ready companies. Exit markets remain steady, supporting a positive outlook centered on operational value creation. Overall, private equity demonstrates resilience and adaptability amid evolving geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges. All data contained in this document is sourced from Dealogic and EY analysis unless otherwise noted. For detailed findings, please visit ey.com/pepulse.

February 4, 20268 min

PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q4 2025

Private equity entered 2026 with renewed momentum following a strong rebound in 2025, marked by a 57% rise in deal value and a significant recovery in exits. Strategic buyers and secondaries helped unlock long‑delayed liquidity, while improved macro conditions and stabilized valuations strengthened underwriting confidence. With most GPs expecting increases in both acquisitions and exits over the next six months — and signalling strong conviction in the quality of 2025 vintages — the industry heads into 2026 with clearer visibility, improved fundamentals and growing optimism.

October 23, 20258 min

PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q3 2025

In Q3 2025, private equity activity surged, achieving a record US$310b in deal value as firms capitalized on narrowing valuation gaps and renewed market confidence. With 156 deals announced, including six exceeding US$10b, the sector is pivoting towards larger transactions. Improved financing conditions and creative deal structures are facilitating this momentum. Looking ahead, 61% of firms anticipate increased exit activity, signalling a robust outlook as the market embraces a "risk on" approach, balancing optimism with discipline. All data contained in this document is sourced from Dealogic, PitchBook, and EY analysis unless otherwise noted. The Dealogic data in this report are under license by ION. ION retains and reserves all rights in such data.

July 30, 20257 min

PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q2 2025

In the first half of 2025, private equity exits reached their highest levels in three years. Corporate acquirers became active buyers, and firms showed increased flexibility on valuations to facilitate the sale of long-held assets. Despite ongoing market volatility, global M&A activity rose by 30%, with private equity contributing significantly. Although fundraising challenges exist, many investors remain optimistic and expect increased deployment activity in the coming months. Firms are prioritizing exit readiness and operational enhancements across various sectors, reflecting a proactive approach in a dynamic private equity landscape. Explore more at https://www.ey.com/pepulse

May 1, 20257 min

PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q1 2025

In Q1 2025, private equity firms saw a 45% rise in deal volume compared to the previous year. However, rising trade tensions are creating caution among investors. Many firms may limit capital deployment in the coming months, yet a higher-than-average risk tolerance indicates readiness to seize new opportunities. Firms are focusing on operational improvements within their portfolios and exploring sectors like aerospace and defense. Additionally, the return of corporate acquirers has boosted exit activity, reflecting a dynamic shift in the private equity landscape amid ongoing uncertainty. Visit https://www.ey.com/pepulse to view this quarter's summary.

March 4, 202515 min

Talent's role as a strategic differentiator

Matt Breitfelder, Partner, and Global Head of Human Capital at Apollo in conversation with Bridget Walsh, EY Global Head of Private Equity. In this episode Matt shares his insights about the role of talent and optimising personal performance in the asset management industry. The views of third parties set out in this podcast are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

February 13, 202517 min

Differentiated Opportunities for Special Situations Investing

Angelo Rufino, Partner and Head of Special Situations in North America and Head of Corporate Special Situations in Europe for Bain Capital, joins Bridget Walsh, EY Global Head of Private Equity. In this episode Angelo shares his insights on the differentiated opportunities for Special Situations investing. 17 mins. The views of third parties set out in this podcast are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

January 28, 20258 min

PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q4 2024

Private equity enters 2025 with strong expectations amid favorable market conditions. In 2024, PE firms announced US$565b in deals, a 25% increase in value and 20% in volume from the previous year. Confidence is high, with 73% of GPs expecting increased deployment activity. Factors driving this optimism include narrowing valuation gaps, increased asset availability, and improved macro visibility. Exit activity is also expected to rise, driven by secondary buyouts. Additionally, GPs anticipate a surge in IPOs and a continued focus on AI and private markets buildout. Visit https://www.ey.com/pepulse to view this quarter's summary. Key takeaways: PE firms enter 2025 with US$1.4t in dry powder; 73% of GPs expect increased deployment activity in the next six months. Supply chain issues ranked as a top concern, with 70% of GPs working with portfolio companies to assess these issues in light of proposed tariffs. GPs' top expectation for this year is an increase in IPOs, with companies in strong market positions well placed to go public.

November 25, 20247 min

PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q3 2024

The private equity (PE) market is bouncing back, with deal activity picking up thanks to clearer economic indicators and better financing options. Despite this dealmaking boost, exits are slower, posing challenges for investors and firms. The tech sector stands out, attracting significant PE interest due to favorable financing conditions, signaling a trend of increased tech-focused deals ahead. Visit https://www.ey.com/pepulse to view this quarter's summary. Key takeaways: PE deals experience a significant surge in 2024, especially in the second and third quarters, buoyed by growing market confidence, clearer economic indicators and improved financing conditions. The technology sector, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, leads growth, with a notable increase in demand for high-quality assets indicating a market primed for capital investment. Exit strategies encounter headwinds, with a downturn in value and sluggish IPO activity, prompting a shift in investor focus toward cash flow, while PE firms continue to pursue disciplined, strategic acquisitions and business expansion.

September 19, 202413 min

How tech is unlocking the private wealth opportunity for Private Equity

In this episode on the NextWave Private Equity Podcast, Matt Brown Founder, CEO and Chairman of CAIS, joins Bridget Walsh to discuss how technology can unlock private wealth for private equity. Technology is revolutionizing the private wealth market, enabling independent advisors to access alternative investments and compete with larger firms. Founder, CEO and Chairman of CAIS, Matt Brown, shares his platform's role in streamlining the investment process and the importance of education in advisor empowerment. Listen to the discussion for insights about the future of private equity and the growing opportunities for asset managers in a market ripe for change. Key takeaways: CAIS is leveling the playing field for independent advisors, granting them entry into the realm of alternative investments with cutting-edge technology. By simplifying the investment lifecycle, CAIS enhances accessibility and operational ease, broadening the scope for high-caliber alternative investment opportunities. Envisioning a shift in wealth management, CAIS is at the forefront, championing technology to foster a more inclusive and diversified investment landscape.