Welcome speech by IPEM's CEO & Managing Partner, Antoine Colson.

Keynote

Predictions about possible scenarios for the European economy in the face of many macro pressures.

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Fireside Chat

Quite often, the best deals are done in a downturn. This on-stage interview will examine how PE firms re-position themselves to capitalise on opportunities that make the most of a challenging economy. 

Panel

This panel will compare and contrast the case for private equity and private debt in a downturn. We will cover:

• What trends will play out in both asset classes this year?
• How are market conditions affecting the opportunity set?
• Expectations for the year ahead.

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Panel

Private markets have been a darling of asset management, as larger platforms look to expand private markets capabilities, whilst the size of the GP universe continues to grow. This session will consider the strategic options that are on the table for GPs.

• What is the outlook for consolidation?
• How and when do GP investments (stakes) make sense?
• When is it right to buy or build expansion into other asset classes? 

Panel

Views from LPs on how economic conditions are affecting their portfolios and fund selection. 

• What are the key risks to manage?
• Are there any immediate updates to the manager selection process? 
• Should LPs favour increased or decreased allocations to private markets? 

Panel

What matters most in a recession? Famously, it’s all been about the economy. But this time may be different. Major economies are still shaking the hangover from the pandemic – with technology, health, defense, and climate driving an acceleration to a fundamentally different destination. 

• Why this downturn won’t be like the last
• What forces are shaping economic growth? 
• How do PE investors position themselves to succeed?

Keynote

Taking the pulse of the dealmaking environment. This session will introduce how private markets investors will thrive in the coming years.

Panel

The start of the year sees many predictions being made about what’s in store for the industry. Some come true, some are a stretch. Is this year any different? The panel unpacks three key trends highlighted by the IPEM survey.

Panel

The downturn has been a long time coming. Price dislocation in the early part of the pandemic prompted a wave of opportunities, as prices dropped. Are we dusting off the same playbook?

• How do investors see through the economic clouds to invest for the future? 
• How do firms stress test the firms they are monitoring in origination? 
• Has everyone been prepared?

Panel

The meteoric rise of institutional lenders in Europe may have you question the future of banks. But the product has evolved significantly from it’s origins and not without it’s critics. This session will explore:

• What are expectations for default rates – and how will direct lenders respond?
• How resilient is private credit to the economic landscape? 
• What’s the impact of entwined sponsor-lender relationships within a private markets portfolio? 

Keynote

What drives Europe’s late-stage companies to raise finance abroad? This session will explore how the European industry can meet a strategic ambition to foster global champions in the digital economy. In this interview, we debate how industrial sovereignty can be strengthened in key strategic sectors such as energy, food, security, and defense – and the part venture capital will play.

Panel

To reach net-zero, capital and innovation must target the heaviest emitting sectors – such as energy, food, and transport. Paradoxically, these sectors are increasingly out of favor for investment due to their ESG risk profile. It begs the question…is decarbonization a trendy or dirty business?

• Through the ESG lens, how do heavy emitting sectors attract the capital they need to transition? 
• Natural resources, food, and transport – the role of PE in industry transformation
• Operating at scale – how European funds will put capital to work ?

Panel

Growth stocks have taken a pummeling as rising inflation erodes profit margins and hurts multiples. Not even big tech has been immune. But what are the positives of this shock? 

• Who benefits from a new era of discipline? 
• What investment strategies are appealing?
• What is the shape of the next tech cycle?

Panel

The proverb says that in every crisis lies an opportunity. This panel will explore how SMEs and early-stage companies are using their agility to emerge stronger from the storm. 

• What is the risk appetite for early-stage and small to medium size enterprises? 
• How does the economy affect the investment thesis? 
• How to spot a champion of tomorrow? 

Keynote

After a decade of stable LP distributions driven by low interest rates, LPs’ must now reposition themselves for a new reality. As performance metrics adjust, should they stand firm or adjust their approach?

Panel

A panel of veteran LPs put the current economic crisis in historical context, calling on their experience to explain their outlook for the next twelve months. 

• How does this compare with other crises? 
• Are firms in the portfolio (and their GPs) better prepared for this downturn than previous? 
• When will things improve?

Panel

As bottom-up investors, PE can usually brush off too many concerns about macro matters. This time it could be different. The combination in a short period of time means little time to adapt. 

• Which factors are most pressing? 
• What characteristics does PE need to have to weather the storm? 
• An end in sight?

Panel

LPs are bracing themselves for lower distributions in the next twelve months. Meanwhile, GPs may need to make more capital calls to cover their credit lines. All this places pressure on LP capital. Is this the price you pay for illiquidity? 

• What trends are emerging around illiquidity? 
• How will constrained LP capital affect fundraising conditions? 
• Can we expect more secondary market activity? 

Panel

Some believe the next big source of capital will come from retail investors. This panel will outline the experience to date and the prospects for the future. 

• How does a higher interest rate environment change the risk perception for PE as an investment opportunity?
• Which corners of the private markets industry are best suited for retail investors?
• Update on ELTIF and the regulatory landscape.

Panel

LPs manage risk in their PE programs all the time. But how does the current environment change their approach to co-investments, and are they ready to get hands-on with underperforming assets? 

• What are the repercussions for GP-LP relationships if deals turn sour?
• What skills does a team need to manage exposure through direct programs?
• Is outsourcing always the answer? 

Keynote

Looking ahead at the big picture, what opportunities can the industry embrace?

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Panel

A larger, more active PE sector inevitably means scrutiny will follow from new stakeholders. This session will explore what a higher profile means for the industry and how to position themselves to capitalize on the opportunity.

• How do firms currently handle public affairs and stakeholder engagement?
• What expectations are there for things to change as the industry becomes more prominent?
• What lessons are to be learned?

Panel

It’s over a decade since the last economic crisis. Does anyone remember what it was like? This session will explore: 

• What is the aptitude of “next-gen” employees to deliver during the current economic climate?
• How will the industry future-proof itself by attracting the right skills?
• How will the industry improve diversity in its workforce?

Keynote

Sources of private capital are abundant. Companies are staying private for longer. Life as a listed company is getting harder. What are the repercussions for economies, capital markets and broader stakeholders if this trend continues?  

• Public vs. private – why economic power is shifting?
• Is governance in the private markets an optimal model?
• When will regulators catch up?
• What risks lie around the corner?