By: Jeffrey Schenck
Senior Product Marketing Manager
October 7, 2025
At a pivotal moment for private capital, the SuperReturn CFO/COO 2025 conference in Amsterdam brought together Europe’s top C-suite leaders to tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges. During open, candid discussions before an attentive audience, executives shared insights into their strategic thinking about future of the industry. Key themes emerged over the three-day event, including:
- the repositioning of private capital within the mainstream investment landscape
- demands for more robust reporting and data insights to address regulator and investor requirements
- the drive for greater operational efficiency, with automation and AI as enablers
- the pivotal role of service providers and tech vendors in helping to address these challenges.
Not surprisingly, the need for joined-up technology, data, and operational strategies and platforms took center stage in many of the conversations.
Data: The Currency of Private Capital’s Transformation
Private capital firms sit on a goldmine of data, but many struggle to unlock its full value. Fragmented systems, and (over)reliance on manual processes and tools like Excel and email are barriers, particularly as firms try to scale.
Moving away from Excel isn’t just a technological shift; it’s a cultural one. Reimagining workflows is key even before introducing new technology. High-quality data foundations are non-negotiable for enabling operational efficiency and investor transparency, as well as paving the way for AI adoption.
Leveraging both structured and unstructured data was a frequently noted priority, as were unified data models that connect workflows across fund-level operations, portfolio monitoring, underwriting, and investor reporting. The message? Firms with robust, integrated data strategies and systems will emerge as winners in an increasingly competitive market.
AI: The Industry’s Reluctant Disruptor
Artificial intelligence is omnipresent on the 2025 conference circuit, and SuperReturn was no exception. AI dominated discussions, but perhaps not in the ways you’d expect. While no one denies AI’s potential to revolutionize everything from investment diligence to financial forecasting, there’s a sense of caution around adoption.
One speaker described AI as an “eager intern who still needs human oversight,” a truly suitable metaphor. Current AI use cases in private market operations include automating repetitive tasks – such as generating investor committee (IC) memos and enhancing reporting speed – with suitable guardrails in place. Experts warned that hallucination risks must be mitigated by “human-in-the-loop processes”, ongoing staff education and training, and embracing agile approaches as AI tools evolve.
Although AI’s impact on revenue streams is still a work in progress, optimism abounds its transformative potential. This is particularly true for improving early-stage diligence processes, which have long been ripe for disruption.
What about the impact of AI on jobs and skillsets? The consensus was increasing demand for generalists who can think differently and integrate AI competency into their roles, however those roles evolve.
The Power of Investor-Centric Operations
Investor experience is becoming a critical differentiator for private market GPs, particularly as institutional, (ultra) high net worth, and retail investors comprise a growing share of their investor base. Shielding LPs and end investors from behind-the-scenes operational complexity is critical.
In response, GPs are linking up fund operations and investor servicing workflows to deliver greater transparency and responsiveness. The demand for near real-time insights will continue to grow, with AI acting as an enabler.
“Retailization” and Generational Shifts
As their investor base broadens, private capital GPs and LPs must deliver institutional-grade services to firms and individuals who may require additional handholding. Psychology plays a role in managing retail clients, where shorter-term thinking and anxiety around market volatility can be more common.
As one expert noted, the mindset within private capital is shifting “from being deal captains to being portfolio builders.” Thriving through this generational change will mean keeping investor outcomes at the heart of their approach. Positive outcomes mean satisfaction with the overall experience, in addition to strong investment returns.
What’s Next for Private Capital?
Private markets face an inflection point. Globally, alternatives comprise nearly 20% of institutional investor allocations, and private assets make up nearly 5% of the $246T investment universe, according to data shared by Prequin. From AI-enhanced workflows to unified data models, private capital firms must embrace scalable solutions as they redefine the future of the industry.
Early AI movers will carve out a competitive advantage, particularly as they reimagine ways of working instead of simply automating existing processes. As one speaker noted, “Excel isn’t dead, but we need to start giving people better outputs to incentivize change.”
Where Allvue Can Help
Allvue’s platforms and solutions make private market operations more transparent, connected, and efficient. Worldwide, over 500 private equity and VC managers, private debt and CLO managers, and fund administrators trust our solutions to help them achieve superior outcomes and excellent customer and investor services.
As our industry evolves, we’re enabling transformation with innovative data and AI solutions:
- Our Nexius Data Platform unlocks insights with API-driven data management, automated workflows and consolidated reporting.
- Nexius Intelligence provides private credit data, analytics, and benchmarks for stronger credit modeling, sharper comparisons, and earlier risk detection.
- Andi AI, a browser-based AI assistant, delivers real-time, in-platform support for our Credit Front Office and Fund Accounting solutions.
More About The Author
Jeffrey Schenck
Senior Product Marketing Manager
