Acuity Knowledge Partners’ Latest Survey Finds Surge in Private Market Optimism as Fundraising and Investment Activity Rebound

Outlook Brightens Across Geographies and Strategies as Interest Rate Cuts Take Hold

London, 22 August 2025 – Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), a leading provider of bespoke research, analytics, and technology solutions to the financial services sector, today released findings from the fourth edition of its global private markets survey. The report captures the perspectives of 115 senior private markets professionals representing firms worldwide, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East.

The findings point to renewed confidence in the private markets sector. Nearly 90% of respondents expect to raise new funds throughout 2025. That marks a sharp rise in confidence compared to last year, when only about two-thirds were planning new fundraising efforts. The rebound reflects growing optimism fuelled by global interest rate cuts and improving macroeconomic conditions. The most dramatic rebound was noted among private equity and venture capital (PE&VC) firms, whose outlooks have shifted from cautious to confident. Four-fifths of buyout funds and three-quarters of venture capital funds surveyed believe fundraising may increase.

With this optimism comes a sharper focus on strategic diversification. Nearly two-thirds of respondents plan to raise capital through new strategies in 2025, particularly in EMEA and emerging markets. Private credit continues to evolve, with a growing preference for specialty finance, real estate debt, and infrastructure debt.

Key Findings from the 2025 survey include:

• Nearly 90% of respondents are confident about raising new funds this year, the highest level recorded since the survey’s inception.

• Three out of four professionals expect increased competition for fundraising, particularly among mid-sized and emerging managers.

• Around 73% of respondents expect investment opportunities to improve in 2025, with strong interest in digital technology, financial services, and infrastructure.

• Over two-thirds of respondents expect valuations to remain steady, while concerns about exits have eased significantly compared to 2024.

• 86% of respondents derive value from outsourcing and are expanding its use to cover fund accounting, tech infrastructure, and deal-related support.

• ESG inclusion gains momentum, with UN PRI signatory respondents up to 70% from 63% last year.

• More than 70% of the respondents feel that economic condition is the most significant challenge in deploying dry powder.

• Portfolio monitoring and deal-related activities demand more than half of professionals’ time.

• More firms are adopting ESG standards, with growing investment focus on healthcare, climate action, and the circular economy.

Pratap Narayan Singh, Managing Director and Global Head of Private Markets at Acuity Knowledge Partners, added: “The data shows a turning point. Leaders are responding with agility, adapting strategies, expanding geographic reach, and embracing technology to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive environment.”

Respondents included senior decision-makers across private equity, venture capital, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and fund-of-funds strategies. Over 60% of participants hold leadership roles, and more than 90% have over five years of experience in the sector.

To read the full survey report, click here- https://www.acuitykp.com/market-guide/global-private-markets-outlook-2025/

About Acuity Knowledge Partners

Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity) is a leading provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics, talent, and technology solutions to the financial services industry, including asset managers, corporate and investment banks, private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds and consulting firms. Its global network of over 6,500 analysts and industry experts, combined with proprietary technology, supports more than 650 financial institutions and consulting companies to operate more efficiently and unlock their human capital and transforming operations. Acuity is headquartered in London and operates from 16 locations worldwide.

Acuity was established as a separate business from Moody’s Corporation in 2019, following its acquisition by Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone). In January 2023, funds advised by global private equity firm Permira acquired a majority stake in the business from Equistone, which remains invested as a minority shareholder.

For more information, visit www.acuitykp.com.

Media contact:
Stuti Das
Global Head of Communications and PR
Acuity Knowledge Partners
stuti.das@acuitykp.com