Predicting the outlook for private equity in 2024 involves considering various factors, including economic conditions, market trends, regulatory changes, and investor sentiment. Following are highlights of some potential trends and factors that may shape the private equity landscape in 2024.
- Economic Recovery: If global economic conditions continue to improve and stabilize following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, private equity activity is likely to rebound. Economic growth and increased business confidence can create favorable conditions for investment and deal-making.
- Tech and Innovation Focus: Private equity firms have been increasingly targeting technology and innovation-driven companies in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2024. Investments in sectors such as software as a service (SaaS), fintech, health tech, and artificial intelligence (AI) are likely to remain popular, as firms seek high-growth opportunities.
- Debt: The availability of debt financing and presumed lowering of interest rates should bode well. In 2023, the number of private equity transactions were substantially lower than in 2022. Leverage from lower interest rates (debt) was severely reduced, leading to stagnant pricing of deals and less transactions.
- Industry Consolidation: Private equity-backed consolidation and M&A activity could accelerate in certain industries, as firms look to capitalize on synergies, drive operational efficiencies, and gain market share. Industries that may see increased consolidation include healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and financial services.
- Geopolitical Uncertainty: Geopolitical factors such as trade tensions, regulatory changes, and geopolitical conflicts can impact investor confidence and market stability.
- Alternative Assets Allocation: Institutional investors continue to allocate a significant portion of their portfolios to alternative assets, including private equity, in search of higher returns and portfolio diversification. In 2024, we may see continued inflows into private equity funds from pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, and family offices.
- Tech-enabled Investing: Private equity firms are increasingly leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance their investment processes, including deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, and value creation initiatives. In 2024, expect to see increased application of AI.
- Exit Environment: The availability of attractive exit opportunities, including IPOs, secondary buyouts, and strategic sales, can influence private equity investment activity. Favorable market conditions and investor appetite for high-growth companies may support robust exit activity in 2024, enabling private equity firms to realize returns on their investments.