IPEM’s European Private Equity Barometer 2025 surveyed 158 fund managers to gauge the mood of the industry heading into 2025. The responses detailed a mixed outlook; surveyed GPs were optimistic on dealmaking, with 85% expecting an improvement as valuations improved, but also acknowledged the threats faced by the industry. Another key theme expected for 2025 was the democratization of private capital, which three quarters of respondents cited as a game-changing evolution for the industry.
Protectionism and trade wars, geopolitical turmoil and political uncertainty were each flagged by more than 50% of survey responses as threats, where economic concerns, ranging from a slowdown in growth to rising corporate debt, were identified as less of a threat than in previous years.
Respondents were overwhelmingly positive on prospects for portfolio management and in 2025, with 92% expecting the year to offer great opportunities for portfolio company improvements.