September 24, 2025
Private investments seem to be everywhere these days. Alternatives specialists, traditional asset managers, and tech platforms are all competing with direct deals or vehicles and strategies with the stated objective of “democratizing” access to what was not long ago a corner of capital markets exclusive to large institutions and family offices. The rationale for private investments within a traditional portfolio construction framework is sound: private investments can—when selected by an expert team with sourcing and underwriting skill—complement and diversify a simple mix of stocks and bonds, potentially enhancing returns and reducing risk. However, as prevalent as opportunities to invest in private markets may be, guidance is limited on precisely how to incorporate those assets into broader portfolios.
In our recent whitepaper, we answer the following:
Read more to learn about optimizing the pacing of annual commitments to reach target private markets allocations, a practice integral to the success of sophisticated investment portfolios.
Strong returns from leading university endowments have reignited discussion about how institutions can sustain performance in a shifting market environment. In commentary for The Wall Street Journal, GEM’s Co-CIO, Matt Bank, reflects on how endowment leaders are preparing for more uncertain conditions ahead.
In a recent Q&A with Buyouts’ Chris Witowsky, GEM’s Caroline Dallas, a Director in our Investment Research Group, shared her perspective on how recent private equity market shifts are influencing talent dynamics, emerging manager activity, and LP appetite across the lower mid-market.
Sourcing and manager selection typically get top billing in conversations around private investments, but one underappreciated aspect of a successful private allocation—explored in our recent whitepaper—is the art of pacing commitments to ensure appropriate portfolio allocation.
Let’s start a conversation about how we can help.
