National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC)

Interested in learning more about the NAIC MBA Fellowship Program? Join us for an informational, Ask-Me-Anything, session! This live session will cover: ✅ The 2026 application process ✅ Program structure and key dates ✅ Selection criteria Current MBA Fellows will be on hand to answer your questions, share their experiences, and offer tips for navigating the process with confidence. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to apply, this is your chance to get the inside scoop and prepare for success. Register: https://lnkd.in/eTcXuUF2

Registration is now open for Akin’s 3rd Annual Private Equity Bootcamp for Early- to Mid-Career Professionals, created exclusively for early-career non-lawyer professionals at NAIC Member Firms. This full-day, interactive training will provide a comprehensive overview of the M&A process, equity and debt financing, and fund structuring and formation, while also breaking down the key legal documents, terms, and issues that shape transactions. Don’t miss this invaluable — and free — opportunity to strengthen your team’s technical foundation. Register here: https://lnkd.in/epyNagBZ

🌟 Elevate Your Career: Apply to the NAIC UP Fellowship Program NAIC is excited to open applications for the UP Fellowship Program, a 6-month professional development experience (March–September) designed to help women with 7–12 years of alternative investment industry experience strategically accelerate their careers. The program is built around three high-impact components: Mentorship: One-on-one monthly sessions with senior executives across the industry. Workshops: Expert-led sessions focused on strategic sourcing, negotiation, executive presence, personal brand positioning, adaptive leadership, AI integration, and more. Networking: Access to a powerful cohort, UP alumnae, NAIC members, and connections through sponsor firms. If you are a mid-career professional ready to break through to the next level—or know someone who is—apply to the 2026 UP Fellowship cohort > https://lnkd.in/dH9g54pS

Recent deals announced by NAIC Member Firms and their portfolio companies: ➡️ Clearlake Capital Group to Acquire Pathway Capital Management https://lnkd.in/e4uyQavd ➡️ Development Partners International (DPI)-Backed Optasia Completes IPO on Johannesburg Stock Exchange https://lnkd.in/ecPAUnYb ➡️ HarbourView Equity Partners Announces Exclusive Partnership with Hit-Boy, GRAMMY Award-Winning Artist and Producer https://lnkd.in/etAbRE3W ➡️ Mill Point Capital Portfolio Company Acquires AutoBase https://lnkd.in/eajj9vYe ➡️ Basis Investment Group, LLC ("Basis") Announces $27.5M Bridge Loan for Poughkeepsie Retail Center https://lnkd.in/eFjpUpWH ➡️ FVLCRUM Funds Invests in Professional Security Consultants https://lnkd.in/eCaKe26c ➡️ Arkview Capital Acquires NeoTech https://lnkd.in/e7YxcRnU ➡️ New Catalyst Strategic Partners and Ironleaf Capital Announce Strategic Partnership https://lnkd.in/e3E6iRPB ➡️ Marquee Capital and Belay Investment Group, LLC Acquire Nagawaukee Shopping Center https://lnkd.in/eDp295Ee ➡️ Brightwood Capital Expands Private Credit Platform https://lnkd.in/erCMhrhb ➡️ GiantLeap Capital-Backed Vantage Data Centers Completes $1.6B Investment in APAC Platform https://lnkd.in/eig6Nfyf

Private-market investors are navigating a landscape defined by tight liquidity, slower exits, shifting capital structures, and rising LP expectations. Yet across the industry, leaders are finding opportunity through creativity, collaboration, and conviction. NAIC recently convened a powerful group of LPs and GPs to explore how resilience and adaptability are driving opportunity amid uncertainty. Mehdi Khodadad (Global Co-Leader of Sidley Austin LLP’s M&A and Private Equity Group) discusses how high rates and regulatory uncertainty are accelerating innovation in deal structures; Anton Orlich (Head of Private Equity, CalPERS), shares how the nation’s largest public pension fund is reshaping its private equity portfolio with a renewed focus on fit, specialization, and co-investments; Kenneth Saffold (Co-Founder and Managing Partner, o15 Capital Partners), highlights the expanding role of private credit and the rise of “co-ompetition” between direct lenders and banks; Robin Zeigler (Founder & CEO, MURAL Real Estate Partners), explores the urgent need for attainably priced housing and the alpha that follows solving structural imbalances; and Ivelisse Rodriguez Simon (Managing Partner, Avante Capital Partners), emphasizes the importance of preparation, partnership, and community in scaling successful firms. Their insights paint a clear picture: while the moment is complex, the firms that stay disciplined, adaptive, and aligned with their strengths will be the ones who win the next cycle. Learn more > https://lnkd.in/eCJ5VtBq

Yesterday, NAIC Members participated in an engaging virtual session with Wells Fargo for an in-depth look at Capital Markets and M&A Transaction Dynamics. Bruce McDonald, Managing Director, Client Growth Segments at Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking, delivered a data-rich update covering current deal flow and the broader financial market outlook. The discussion highlighted key macroeconomic indicators—including consumer sentiment, interest rates, and GDP growth—and how they are shaping today’s transaction environment. With a detailed review of market signals and a generally optimistic outlook, the session underscored expectations for a healthy and active M&A landscape in the year ahead. A special thank you to Bruce and the Wells Fargo team for their continued partnership and expertise.

Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, NAIC Chief Operating Officer, will moderate a discussion at next week's 2025 Global FundWomen Conference on Opportunities in Value-Add Infrastructure. As investors navigate a rapidly shifting infrastructure landscape, Carmen will join Mina Pacheco Nazemi (Head of Barings Diversified Alternative Equity) and Elizabeth Weindruch (Managing Director, Barings) for a timely conversation that will cover a range of topics—from the rise of AI-driven digital infrastructure to the evolving convergence of private equity and infrastructure investing. The Global FundWomen Conference will convene 60 female PMs, 120 LPs, and 300+ delegates for thought leadership, speed networking, thematic roundtables, and 1:1 cap-intro meetings. We’re proud to elevate this critical dialogue—and the women leading it. #NAIC #GlobalFundWomen2025 #DiverseManagers #InfrastructureInvesting #PrivateEquity #DigitalInfrastructure

Joe Agnello, CEO of Lockton Founder Series, shares why the transactional liability market remains exceptionally strong despite softer M&A activity. With more than 20 carriers competing aggressively, broader terms, and lower retentions, R&W insurance continues to outperform expectations. Agnello also highlights a major shift in deal structures: the surge of public-style, no-seller-indemnity clauses, now appearing in nearly two-thirds of recent transactions. For deeper insights and Agnello’s full breakdown of these market trends, watch the complete video here: ▶️ https://lnkd.in/edPKTjnz

🚀 Applications Now Open: NAIC MBA Fellowship Program NAIC is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 MBA Fellowship Program — an 8-month compensated fellowship for second-year MBA students focusing in Finance and pursuing careers in the alternative investment sector. Fellows will gain meaningful, hands-on experience across the organization, contribute to special projects, and receive C-suite mentorship, professional development, and high-value networking introductions. 📍 Location: U.S.-Based Remote ⏰ Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026 MBA Fellows will work closely with NAIC team members and contribute to core areas of the organization, including: 🔸 Research & Data 🔸 Project Management & Logistics 🔸 Marketing & Communications If you know an MBA student who would be a strong fit—or if you are one—we encourage you to apply directly! > https://lnkd.in/eijcCbp2

NAIC wishes our entire community a warm and meaningful Thanksgiving holiday. We remain deeply grateful for our member firms, corporate partners, sponsors, industry alliances, capital allocators, and all those who work alongside us to expand opportunity and increase the flow of capital to high-performing diverse investment managers. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to advancing a more inclusive and competitive investment ecosystem. Wishing you a joyful and restorative holiday with loved ones.