In the realm of finance, trends are often subject to rapid shifts, and the world of private capital fundraising is no exception. Since the fourth quarter of 2021, the landscape of private capital fundraising has been marked by a decline in activity, with a more pronounced drop in the rolling 12-month fundraising statistics that began in the fourth quarter of 2022. While these figures are expected to climb as more fund closings come to light, there’s no denying that the environment for securing limited partner (LP) commitments has become more challenging.
The dynamics of this landscape were recently dissected in an insightful analyst note titled “How Tough Is the Fundraising Environment Actually?” This analysis sheds light on a crucial aspect: the perception of the fundraising situation often seems dire, yet the reality is more nuanced. Despite the downturn, the annual commitments to private market fund strategies still hover around a staggering $1.1 trillion. This colossal figure definitively dispels any notion of a complete shutdown in LP investments.
Allocators, undeterred by the downturn, have continued to allocate capital to these private market funds. This is attributed not only to the importance of diversifying across vintage years but also to the anticipation that downturns could pave the way for the emergence of the best-performing funds. It’s a calculated risk, a bet on the resilience and adaptability of fund managers to generate impressive returns even in trying times.
One might speculate that the scarcity of LP capital could place these investors in a more advantageous position, allowing them to negotiate more favourable terms during the process of establishing limited partnership agreements. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that top-tier fund managers are holding their ground. Their perceived value and track record have empowered them to stand firm, and some argue that these managers deserve terms that are friendlier to general partners (GPs).
Even in instances where LPs have attempted to negotiate for improved terms, such negotiations often veer toward factors other than the financial economics presented to the fund manager. Surprisingly, data on fees, as reported by PitchBook, unveils an interesting trend: the number of funds charging less than 2% has not grown; instead, it has shrunk over time. This hints that even in the face of capital becoming scarcer, LPs haven’t been able to translate this into a stronger bargaining position with GPs.
Examining the distribution of capital raised in the initial half of 2023, it’s evident that private debt funds have enjoyed a significant share, capturing 19.7% of the total. This departure from the norm is attributed to the rising interest rates, enabling banks to secure decent returns from lower-risk lending endeavours. Concurrently, private debt fund managers have seized the opportunity to step in and fill the void, generating excellent yields in the process. The recent scrutiny of banks following the failures of certain financial institutions in Q1 2023 has also played a role in reducing lending competition for private debt managers.
The world of secondaries, too, has experienced a surge in capital raised during the first half of 2023, only second to the record-breaking year of 2020. Interestingly, this aligns well with the four-year median time between secondaries funds within fund families, emphasising the cyclical nature of this fundraising approach. The uptick in secondaries fundraising in 2023 seems well-timed within this framework.
In conclusion, the ever-evolving landscape of private capital fundraising is a testament to the complex interplay of economic trends, investor sentiment, and industry dynamics. Despite the recent decline in fundraising activity, the sheer scale of annual commitments underscores the continued vitality of private market fund strategies. The negotiations between LPs and GPs continue to hinge on more than just financial terms, reflecting the enduring value attributed to proven fund managers. The rise of private debt funds and secondaries, along with the ebb and flow of various sectors, showcases the resilience and adaptability inherent in the world of finance. As we move forward, it’s clear that the strategies and sectors that emerge as leaders will be those that effectively navigate this intricate landscape of change.
(Source: PitchBook)