Behind the Headlines
Insights from the Capital of Private Capital
Earlier this month, more than 5,500 private markets professionals from around the world convened in Berlin for SuperReturn International — widely regarded as the “capital of private capital.” The event served as a pulse check on market sentiment, investment strategies, and the evolving global outlook.
As part of the conference, the Joele Frank Financial Sponsors team hosted a candid conversation with four leading journalists—Axios’ Lucinda Shen, Bloomberg’s Ryan Gould, CNBC’s Leslie Picker, and The Wall Street Journal’s Rod James. Here are some of the key insights from that discussion:
- Volatility Still Looms Over M&A: Geopolitical uncertainty and shifting U.S. tariff policies continue to weigh on investor confidence. While the full impact of these dynamics remains unclear, dealmakers are proceeding with caution. Pricing uncertainty and a heightened focus on asset quality are shaping a more selective M&A environment.
- Europe Steps into the Spotlight: With macro and political headwinds in the U.S., investors are increasingly eyeing Europe for both deals and fundraising. While the U.S. remains a cornerstone of private capital, geographic diversification is gaining traction. Lower interest rates and robust activity in Europe are fueling a more optimistic tone across the region.
- AI is Influencing Newsroom Dynamics: Just as fund managers are leveraging AI for sourcing, diligence, and optimization, journalists are adopting AI tools for research, question development, and summarization. But even as technology evolves, the fundamentals remain: accuracy, integrity, and strong sourcing are more important than ever.
In a market defined by complexity and volatility, strategic communication is no longer optional but essential. Firms that can clearly articulate their value, navigate uncertainty, and connect with new audiences will be best positioned to lead.