IN THENEWS

The new year is underway … Happy 2026. As we begin another journey, what will be ahead in the new year, and how will it affect the Venture Capital and Private Equity world? The predictors and prognosticators in the financial media have had their say, and the IVCA offers the following articles and media that all look forward to the new investor year  … which includes Podcasts and AI generated content.

GoHub.vc, ’2026 VC Predictions: Tech and Investment Trends to Watch’

Based on a review of recent market data and GoHub Ventures’ experience investing in B2B technology, our view is that the most relevant tech and VC investment trends for 2026 are less about new technological breakthroughs. Instead, they focus on where existing technologies could be deployed reliably and at scale. This perspective shapes our outlook across B2B software, digital health, and dual-use technology.

READ MORE: https://gohub.vc/vc-investment-trends-2026/

MorganStanley.com, ‘Private Equity 2026 Outlook’

A more benign operating environment has commenced after several challenging years. A strong M&A recovery is also under way, which is self-reinforcing to PE fundamentals. PE-backed companies are uniquely positioned to benefit from AI adoption.

READ MORE: https://www.morganstanley.com/im/en-lu/institutional-investor/insights/outlooks/private-equity-2026-outlook.html/

LinkedIn.com, ‘5 Predictions for Chicago Tech in 2026’

According to Fred Hoch at TechNexus: “This year, the Chicago tech industry is poised for significant acceleration, moving beyond a period of quiet consolidation.”

READ MORE: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fredhoch_5-predictions-for-chicago-tech-in-2026-this-activity-7413965047624036353-gi1Z/

BDO.com, ’2026 Private Equity Industry Predictions’

After a prolonged period of subdued deal activity and capital accumulation, private equity is entering 2026 with renewed optimism — flush with dry powder and ready to deploy. Financing conditions are stabilizing, interest rates are decreasing, and valuations are beginning to reset.

READ MORE: https://www.bdo.com/insights/industries/private-equity/2026-private-equity-predictions/

BurklandAssociates.com, PODCAST: ‘2026 Outlook: The Startup Ecosystem’

What could 2026 look like for startup funding, growth, and exits – and how can founders position themselves for success?

LISTEN (20 minutes): https://burklandassociates.com/podcasts/2026-outlook-the-startup-ecosystem/

Alts.AXA-IM.com, PODCAST: ‘Private Equity Outlook 2026’

Private Equity enters 2026 not as a year of pause, but one of precision. The industry is still working through a lingering liquidity overhang, even as exit markets begin, cautiously, to turn. With distributions under pressure, secondaries have grown in importance as a critical release valve, alongside trade sales and a gradually thawing IPO market, helping to restore cash flows and confidence. 

WATCH/LISTEN (35 minutes): https://alts.axa-im.com/undefined-insight-landing/alternatives-investments/private-equity/podcast-private-equity-outlook-2026

Finance.Yahoo.com, ‘Yes, the Trump Administration is Likely to Buy More Equity in More Private Companies in 2026’

The government took stakes in a number of private companies during 2025, and it’s likely to continue making equity investments while Donald Trump remains in office. Whether or not this is a wise long-term strategy is an ongoing debate, with strong opinions on both sides.

READ MORE: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/yes-trump-administration-likely-buy-190644248.html

And Finally, using Google AI …

’Venture Capital Predictions 2026 Chicago’

READ MORE: https://tinyurl.com/VentCap2026 

’Private Equity Predictions 2026 Chicago’

READ MORE: https://tinyurl.com/PrivEq2026

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