Private Market Talks: Conversations and insights on the private markets with private capital’s leading figures.

Hosted by Proskauer

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Conversations and insights on the private markets with private capital’s leading figures. Hosted by Proskauer Partner, Howard Beber.

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43 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 4236 min

Why Private Markets Are Going Mainstream with VanEck's Christian Munafo

In the latest episode of Private Market Talks, Christian Munafo, Portfolio Manager of Growth Equity at VanEck, joins Howard Beber to discuss the evolution of the non-traditional secondaries market, the rise of late-stage private investing, and the growing convergence of public and private markets. Christian explains how the secondaries market has expanded beyond traditional LP transactions, how investors are finding liquidity in an increasingly complex ecosystem, and why private companies are attracting broader pools of capital than ever before. The conversation also explores the democratization of private markets, including how evergreen fund structures are expanding access to alternative investments for a wider range of investors. Christian closes by sharing his perspective on valuation discipline and portfolio construction, and explains why he believes private markets will continue moving into the mainstream over the next decade.

May 19, 2026Episode 4132 min

Investing in an Uncertain Market with CVC’s Lorne Somerville

How do you invest with conviction in an uncertain market? In this episode of Private Market Talks, Lorne Somerville, Managing Partner at CVC Capital Partners and co-head of North American Private Equity, joins partner Howard Beber to share how CVC is approaching today’s environment. Lorne explains how instability is shaping investment strategy, with a more selective approach in the U.S. and a focus on businesses with consistent cash flow and clear growth potential. He also discusses how CVC leverages its global network and founder partnerships to compete in a highly developed market. The conversation explores how valuation gaps and slower deal activity are influencing deployment, where the firm is finding opportunity, and how AI can support diligence while requiring careful oversight. Lorne also shares his outlook for the next 12 to 24 months and what it will take for deal activity to accelerate.

March 17, 2026Episode 4046 min

Navigating Market Complexity with Churchill’s Jason Strife

How are private equity and private credit adapting to a more complex market? In this episode of Private Market Talks, Jason Strife, senior managing director and head of junior capital and private equity solutions at Churchill Asset Management, joins partner Howard Beber to discuss today’s private market landscape. Jason shares how Churchill’s middle-market platform brings together direct lending, junior capital, co-investments and secondaries to serve private equity sponsors. He also discusses why manager expertise and disciplined portfolio construction are critical in a more complex market. During the conversation, Jason and Howard explore what Churchill is seeing in early 2026 deal activity, the staying power of GP-led secondaries, shifting approaches to diligence and structuring in a more uncertain environment and what separates truly top-quartile managers. Jason also shares his outlook for the year ahead and the professional advice that has stayed with him throughout his career.

February 25, 2026Episode 3945 min

Inside the GP Stakes Opportunity with RidgeLake Partners’ Todd Milligan

What’s driving the growth of GP stakes investing, and where is the opportunity today? In this episode of Private Market Talks, Todd Milligan, co-head of RidgeLake Partners, joins partner Howard Beber to discuss the evolution of GP stakes and why the middle market has become a key focus for long-term partnerships. Todd shares how RidgeLake approaches minority equity investments, the role GP stakes can play in growth and succession planning and why culture and alignment matter more than ever. During the conversation, Todd and Howard also explore how LP perceptions have shifted, how deals are sourced in a relationship-driven market and what’s ahead for GP stakes as private markets continue to mature.

December 12, 2025Episode 3843 min

Building Lasting Value with KPS Capital Partners’ Michael Psaros

In this episode of Private Market Talks, Michael Psaros, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of KPS Capital Partners, joins Howard Beber to discuss KPS’s disciplined, operations-focused approach to industrial investing. Michael shares how his roots in a steel town shaped his career, why KPS measures success through absolute value creation and how the firm is navigating global technology and manufacturing shifts. He also reflects on leadership, long-term partnerships and the culture that has guided KPS’ success for more than three decades.

November 14, 2025Episode 3758 min

Charting the Future of Private Markets with Cambridge Associates’ Andrea Auerbach

In this new episode of Private Market Talks, Andrea Auerbach, Global Head of Private Investments at Cambridge Associates, joins us to discuss the evolution of private markets, from fundraising slowdowns and liquidity challenges to the expanding role of AI in investment strategy. Andrea shares her perspective from over two decades of experience on how investors can navigate today’s complex environment and why the most compelling opportunities may be emerging right now.

October 3, 2025Episode 3643 min

Scaling and Innovating in Secondaries with Dawson Partners’ Yann Robard

What’s next for secondary markets? In this episode of Private Market Talks, Dawson Partners’ Yann Robard joins us to unpack the evolving secondary market and untapped potential for increased capitalization. From structured solutions to the rise of NAV lending, Yann explains Dawson’s innovative approach to secondaries transcations. He also shares his outlook on private equity performance, lessons learned from building Dawson, and advice for the next generation of investors.

September 5, 2025Episode 3531 min

Structured Capital in Focus with Strategic Value Partners’ Brian Himot

In this episode, partner and Private Funds co-head Howard Beber takes the host seat in a dynamic conversation with Brian Himot, head of structured capital at Strategic Value Partners (SVP). With more than $22 billion in assets under management, SVP is a leading global alternative investment firm focused on private credit, private equity and event-driven opportunities. Brian shares his path from tax lawyer to building SVP’s structured capital platform, where his team delivers flexible, tailored financing solutions for founder-led and sponsor-backed businesses. Together, he and Howard dive into the nuances of hybrid capital, weigh the advantages of sponsor vs. non-sponsor deals, and discuss why aligning with business owners on long-term growth is essential. They also explore how market volatility and shifting global dynamics are influencing deal flow, and what the next five years could bring for structured capital.

July 17, 2025Episode 3440 min

Navigating Policy, Private Markets and AI with Barings’ David Mihalick

Barings is one of the world’s leading investment managers, with a platform that spans public and private markets, fixed income, real assets and capital solutions. In this episode, we sit down with David Mihalick, Co-Head of Global Investments at Barings, to explore how the firm is navigating today’s complex investment landscape. David shares insights on Barings’ multi-asset investment strategy, the knock-on effects of tariffs and current U.S. policy decisions and how middle-market companies are adapting to economic headwinds. We also discuss the evolving role of AI in private markets and its implications for human capital.

May 19, 2025Episode 3342 min

Destination Europe with Pemberton’s Co-Founder Symon Drake-Brockman

As America turns inwards, investors are turning east, towards Europe. It’s a seismic shift not seen since the end of WWII. In this episode, we talk with Symon Drake-Brockman, co-founder and Managing Partner of Pemberton Asset Management, one of Europe’s largest private credit platforms, about the implications of this shift. Prior to starting Pemberton, Symon navigated critical world events on behalf of major financial institutions, including the impact of Russia seizing Crimea, the Asian financial crisis, the Global Financial Crisis, and COVID. During our conversation, Symon helps to put current events into perspective and offers insights as to why today’s capital allocators are rediscovering Europe.