On Demand

Private Capital Predictions Webinar 2026

Explore private capital predictions for 2026—navigating IPO and M&A shifts, valuation pressure, LP liquidity demands, and the widening AI competitive divide.

The private capital industry is navigating its most challenging environment in over a decade. Unpredictable IPO windows, selective M&A activity, and valuation pressures are extending holding periods while LPs demand liquidity and fundraising becomes increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, AI is creating a competitive divide—not just between firms that deploy it effectively and those falling behind, but also among portfolio companies where AI adoption is becoming a key value driver.

This webinar brings together industry leaders to dissect the forces reshaping private capital and share strategies for thriving in 2026.

Key topics:

  • Market outlook: IPO environment, M&A activity, valuation trends, LP expectations, fundraising dynamics, and the fight to quality
  • Sourcing strategies: Winning proprietary deals when founder relationships determine access, and how to manage expectations from investors
  • Portfolio management: Supporting companies through extended timelines and valuation resets while helping founders deploy technology, such as AI, effectively to extend runway and reach profitability
  • AI as competitive advantage: How leading firms and their portfolio companies use AI in their day to day workflows

Presenters

Michal Sias

VP, Corp Dev

Northwestern Mutual

Niklas Krusche

Head of Origination

Armira

Kegan Kinser

Head of Partnerships

Crunchbase

Erin McNamara

VP, Product Marketing

Affinity

The private capital industry is navigating its most challenging environment in over a decade. Unpredictable IPO windows, selective M&A activity, and valuation pressures are extending holding periods while LPs demand liquidity and fundraising becomes increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, AI is creating a competitive divide—not just between firms that deploy it effectively and those falling behind, but also among portfolio companies where AI adoption is becoming a key value driver.

This webinar brings together industry leaders to dissect the forces reshaping private capital and share strategies for thriving in 2026.

Key topics:

  • Market outlook: IPO environment, M&A activity, valuation trends, LP expectations, fundraising dynamics, and the fight to quality
  • Sourcing strategies: Winning proprietary deals when founder relationships determine access, and how to manage expectations from investors
  • Portfolio management: Supporting companies through extended timelines and valuation resets while helping founders deploy technology, such as AI, effectively to extend runway and reach profitability
  • AI as competitive advantage: How leading firms and their portfolio companies use AI in their day to day workflows

View Ascend FAQs here.

Upcoming Webinars

Upcoming

From RSVP to relationship data: connecting Gatsby and Affinity

Every event your firm hosts throws off a guest list. Most CRMs never see it as more than a spreadsheet to reconcile after the fact.

Upcoming

Top Private Capital Use Cases with Affinity MCP

AI is changing how private capital firms operate and the firms moving fastest aren't buying new tools. They're rethinking how existing workflows get done, with their own data underneath.

On Demand

Exclusive Preview: Affinity's agent platform

Preview Affinity's AI agent platform for private capital—automating sourcing, qualification, and CRM upkeep so your deal team can focus on closing.