Insights

Private market liquidity is evolving. As traditional exits remain below historical norms, sponsors and investors are increasingly turning to continuation vehicles and GP-led secondary transactions to unlock value and provide liquidity. This Market Data Snapshot explores what's driving the shift, what it means for market participants, and why capital planning has become as important as exit planning.

In 2026, founders are rethinking how they structure capital, blending equity, debt, and secondaries to maximize flexibility and control. Venture and growth investors deployed $425 billion into more than 24,000 private companies in 2025, up 30% year-over-year.¹ Yet capital is concentrating into fewer companies, with larger checks flowing primarily to later-stage and AI-driven startups.² For most founders, this shift is increasing the need for a more deliberate and diversified

Why Debt Matters for VC-Backed Companies Equity has been the growth engine for startups, but debt is increasingly a strategic complement . Importantly, the value of debt depends on a company’s business model : SaaS companies often use recurring revenue lines or venture debt tied to ARR. Consumer goods companies benefit from AR/working capital lines. Fintechs often rely on warehouse or forward-flow facilities. Life sciences and hardware firms frequently need equipment fina