September 24, 2025

Executive Summary

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:

  1. What’s different about private investments?
  2. Why does allocation discipline matter?
  3. How is a commitment plan crafted?

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.

 

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Recent Insights

Navigating Risk: The View from the Crow’s Nest

In this edition of The Long View, Co-CIO Matt Bank explains why managing risk with structure, discipline, and flexibility is essential for long-term investors, and how GEM’s approach helps portfolios endure uncertainty.

Endowment Model Faces Unfair Criticism

In an interview with FundFire, GEM’s Co-CIO, Matt Bank, addresses critiques of the endowment model and explains why disciplined execution in private markets remains essential to long-term success.

Capital Allocators: Jay Ripley- Emerging Manager Selection at GEM (EP.470)

Head of Investments Jay Ripley joined Ted Seides on the Capital Allocators podcast to discuss his path from private equity to GEM, the firm’s approach to backing emerging managers and independent sponsors, and the importance of strong manager selection amid growing dispersion.

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