Private Equity in 2026: Liquidity, Growth, and AI Execution

Lloyd Metz (Partner, ICV Partners), Doug McCormick (Managing Partner, Oridian Capital Partners), and Sean Mooney (Founder & CEO, BluWave) assess the private equity landscape heading into 2026. They unpack the pressure to return capital, the realities of longer hold periods, and why growth—not multiple expansion—is now the primary driver of returns. The conversation also explores the accelerating impact of AI on dealmaking, operations, and portfolio company performance. This is a clear-eyed view of where private equity is headed next—hit play.

Episode Highlights

• 2:00 - Liquidity pressure builds as distributions lag across the industry
• 6:01 - Why market volatility stalled deal activity despite early momentum
• 10:29 - Surge in diligence activity signals a delayed but real deal rebound
• 12:02 - “12 is the new 5”: growth expectations reset for private equity returns
• 17:46 - Shift toward add-ons and operational upgrades across portfolios
• 23:09 - Manufacturing resurgence and reshoring create new investment themes
• 38:18 - AI moves from concept to execution across firms and portfolio companies

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

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For information on Oridian Capital Partners, go to https://oridiancapital.com/
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net