Private Market Talks: Conversations and insights on the private markets with private capital’s leading figures.

In this episode of Private Market Talks, CF Private Equity President and CEO Mark Hoeing joins partner Howard Beber to explain how persistence of returns, disciplined manager selection, and rigorous diligence define success in today's market. Mark shares his outlook on continuation vehicles and the broader evolution of the secondary market, unpacks the power law dynamics driving venture capital returns, and points to founder-owned businesses and AI infrastructure as sources of future growth.

In the latest episode of Private Market Talks, Howard Beber speaks with Andrew Honnor, founder and managing partner of Greenbrook Advisory, about how effective communication is a strategic advantage for private market firms.

Andrew discusses how firms can build trust with investors, regulators, and portfolio companies, why a clear investment narrative is increasingly important in a competitive fundraising environment, and how to prepare for greater public scrutiny.

The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping LP diligence, why reputation is built long before a crisis, and what sets the industry's most respected firms apart.

In the latest episode of Private Market Talks, Christian Munafo, Portfolio Manager of Growth Equity at VanEck, joins Howard Beber to discuss the evolution of the non-traditional secondaries market, the rise of late-stage private investing, and the growing convergence of public and private markets.

Christian explains how the secondaries market has expanded beyond traditional LP transactions, how investors are finding liquidity in an increasingly complex ecosystem, and why private companies are attracting broader pools of capital than ever before.

The conversation also explores the democratization of private markets, including how evergreen fund structures are expanding access to alternative investments for a wider range of investors.

Christian closes by sharing his perspective on valuation discipline and portfolio construction, and explains why he believes private markets will continue moving into the mainstream over the next decade.

How do you invest with conviction in an uncertain market?

In this episode of Private Market Talks, Lorne Somerville, Managing Partner at CVC Capital Partners and co-head of North American Private Equity, joins partner Howard Beber to share how CVC is approaching today’s environment.

Lorne explains how instability is shaping investment strategy, with a more selective approach in the U.S. and a focus on businesses with consistent cash flow and clear growth potential. He also discusses how CVC leverages its global network and founder partnerships to compete in a highly developed market.

The conversation explores how valuation gaps and slower deal activity are influencing deployment, where the firm is finding opportunity, and how AI can support diligence while requiring careful oversight.

Lorne also shares his outlook for the next 12 to 24 months and what it will take for deal activity to accelerate.

How are private equity and private credit adapting to a more complex market?

In this episode of Private Market Talks, Jason Strife, senior managing director and head of junior capital and private equity solutions at Churchill Asset Management, joins partner Howard Beber to discuss today’s private market landscape. Jason shares how Churchill’s middle-market platform brings together direct lending, junior capital, co-investments and secondaries to serve private equity sponsors. He also discusses why manager expertise and disciplined portfolio construction are critical in a more complex market.

During the conversation, Jason and Howard explore what Churchill is seeing in early 2026 deal activity, the staying power of GP-led secondaries, shifting approaches to diligence and structuring in a more uncertain environment and what separates truly top-quartile managers. Jason also shares his outlook for the year ahead and the professional advice that has stayed with him throughout his career.

What’s driving the growth of GP stakes investing, and where is the opportunity today?

In this episode of Private Market Talks, Todd Milligan, co-head of RidgeLake Partners, joins partner Howard Beber to discuss the evolution of GP stakes and why the middle market has become a key focus for long-term partnerships. Todd shares how RidgeLake approaches minority equity investments, the role GP stakes can play in growth and succession planning and why culture and alignment matter more than ever.

During the conversation, Todd and Howard also explore how LP perceptions have shifted, how deals are sourced in a relationship-driven market and what’s ahead for GP stakes as private markets continue to mature.

In this episode of Private Market Talks, Michael Psaros, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of KPS Capital Partners, joins Howard Beber to discuss KPS’s disciplined, operations-focused approach to industrial investing.

Michael shares how his roots in a steel town shaped his career, why KPS measures success through absolute value creation and how the firm is navigating global technology and manufacturing shifts.

He also reflects on leadership, long-term partnerships and the culture that has guided KPS’ success for more than three decades.

In this new episode of Private Market Talks, Andrea Auerbach, Global Head of Private Investments at Cambridge Associates, joins us to discuss the evolution of private markets, from fundraising slowdowns and liquidity challenges to the expanding role of AI in investment strategy.

Andrea shares her perspective from over two decades of experience on how investors can navigate today’s complex environment and why the most compelling opportunities may be emerging right now.

What’s next for secondary markets? In this episode of Private Market Talks, Dawson Partners’ Yann Robard joins us to unpack the evolving secondary market and untapped potential for increased capitalization. From structured solutions to the rise of NAV lending, Yann explains Dawson’s innovative approach to secondaries transcations. He also shares his outlook on private equity performance, lessons learned from building Dawson, and advice for the next generation of investors.

In this episode, partner and Private Funds co-head Howard Beber takes the host seat in a dynamic conversation with Brian Himot, head of structured capital at Strategic Value Partners (SVP). With more than $22 billion in assets under management, SVP is a leading global alternative investment firm focused on private credit, private equity and event-driven opportunities.

Brian shares his path from tax lawyer to building SVP’s structured capital platform, where his team delivers flexible, tailored financing solutions for founder-led and sponsor-backed businesses. Together, he and Howard dive into the nuances of hybrid capital, weigh the advantages of sponsor vs. non-sponsor deals, and discuss why aligning with business owners on long-term growth is essential. They also explore how market volatility and shifting global dynamics are influencing deal flow, and what the next five years could bring for structured capital.