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

Independent sponsors are beating the buyout funds

Kelly Barofsky, a Managing Director in GEM’s Investment Research Group, spoke with PitchBook about the continued momentum behind independent sponsors and why deal-by-deal structures can create strong alignment between sponsors and investors.

Swimming with Allocators: Kate Simpson – Why Venture’s Best Opportunities Are Moving to the Edges

Head of Venture Capital, Kate Simpson, joined the Swimming with Allocators podcast to discuss how GEM constructs its venture portfolio, why the market has bifurcated, and where disciplined manager selection creates the most compelling opportunities.

2025 Impact Report: Promise & Precaution

Our 2025 Impact Report explores a key question shaping the future of impact investing: how can investors support AI’s development and deployment in ways that maximize its benefits while mitigating its risks?

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