Mark R Graham

  The difference between   private equity   and   venture capital   lies in the type of companies they target, the investment size, and the level of control they seek. Private equity focuses on established businesses, while venture capital invests in early-stage startups with growth potential. This article clarifies how these two major private market investment strategies differ — from structure and risk to returns and management control. You’ll gain a precise understanding of where each fits within the private markets, how they operate, and which aligns best with your goals as an investor or entrepreneur. What Is Private Equity? Private equity (PE) refers to investments made directly into established, privately held companies — or into public companies that are taken private through acquisition. These investments often aim to improve operations, restructure finances, and create measurable growth before exiting for profit.  Continued . 

Companies are staying private longer because private capital can now fund late-stage growth at IPO-scale, and because the public path often adds quarterly pressure, higher operating overhead, and valuation risk. It matters because more of a company’s biggest value creation now happens off public exchanges, shifting returns, access, and liquidity across founders, employees, and investors. This article gives you the real operating reasons behind “private for longer,” the specific mechanisms making it possible (late-stage rounds, secondaries, tender offers, private credit), and the trade-offs you need to manage. You’ll also see what changes for employees, customers, institutional investors, and everyday market participants when fewer companies choose the public route. Why Are Companies Staying Private Longer? Companies stay private longer because the private market can supply large checks and flexible deal structures without the obligations and scrutiny that come with being public. In 202...

  AI and big data   are changing how you identify and evaluate   alternative investments   by analyzing vast datasets that reveal opportunities invisible to traditional analysis. This article gives you a strategic playbook for using advanced analytics to spot patterns, assess risk, and uncover high-performing opportunities in private markets, real estate, credit, and emerging asset classes. You’ll see how leading firms apply these tools, what data sources matter most, and how to combine machine intelligence with human expertise for consistent, disciplined performance. What Is the Role of AI and Big Data in Alternative Investing? AI and big data have become the analytical backbone of modern investing, especially in non-traditional assets where information is scarce. You’re no longer limited to balance sheets or quarterly reports; machine learning can now evaluate loan books, project performance, and even social sentiment in real time. Learn more . 

  You can protect deal value and accelerate post-merger success by prioritizing culture and talent integration as much as financial performance. Without aligning people and culture, even the best-structured mergers can lose momentum.  This article outlines practical, executive-level strategies to manage the   human side of M&A . You’ll learn how to assess culture compatibility, align leadership, retain critical talent, and communicate effectively—using real data and proven integration techniques that top acquirers employ worldwide. What Does “Managing the Human Side of M&A” Really Mean? Managing the human side of M&A means addressing how employees adapt, collaborate, and align with new leadership, policies, and goals after a merger or acquisition. You’re not just merging financial statements—you’re merging behaviors, leadership styles, and corporate identities.  Continue reading . 

  You can optimize investor communication, reporting, and transparency in   private equity   by using purpose-built investor portal software designed to simplify operations and strengthen LP relationships. In this guide, you’ll discover six of the best investor portal software platforms built specifically for private equity, venture capital, and   alternative investment managers . You’ll learn what makes each platform effective, what features matter most for scalability, and how to measure long-term ROI from implementation. This is not about shiny dashboards — it’s about disciplined, data-backed execution. 1. Allvue Investor Portal — The Enterprise-Grade Standard Allvue’s Investor Portal stands out as one of the most comprehensive solutions for private equity firms managing complex fund structures and multiple investor classes.  Read on . 

  You can access   alternative credit and debt investments   through digital platforms that connect you directly to lending, private credit, and debt-based opportunities—allowing you to diversify your portfolio beyond traditional markets. This guide gives you a veteran’s perspective on how to use these platforms intelligently. You’ll discover ten of the most trusted options, what makes them different, and how to measure risk versus reward. The aim is to help you invest with the precision of a business athlete—disciplined, informed, and built for consistent performance. 1. Prosper Marketplace – Peer-to-Peer Consumer Loans Prosper Marketplace   is one of the original peer-to-peer lending platforms in the United States. It allows you to fund unsecured personal loans directly to borrowers. You earn interest as borrowers repay, creating a predictable stream of returns.  Read More .