Fundraising and Investment Strategy - eQ Asset Management has successfully raised USD 168 million for the eQ PE XVII US fund at the beginning of 2025, with fundraising efforts set to continue throughout the year [1] - The eQ PE XVII US fund focuses on investing in private equity funds that target equity investments in small and medium-sized companies in the United States and Canada, aiming for a diversified portfolio of 12–15 funds across more than 150 companies [2] Partnership and Historical Performance - eQ has been collaborating with RCP Advisors since 2015, and the current fund marks the sixth US fund raised in this partnership, with RCP being a well-resourced private equity manager specializing in lower middle market North American funds [3] - To date, eQ has raised a total of USD 1.2 billion for its US funds from over 200 clients, indicating a strong track record in the private equity space [3] Capital and Programmes - In late 2024 and early 2025, eQ signed private equity programmes totaling over EUR 330 million, bringing the total capital across current private equity programmes to approximately EUR 1 billion [4] - These private equity programmes typically offer 4–5 year solutions, providing clients with a comprehensive portfolio managed by eQ along with transparent reporting [4] Market Insights and Asset Management - The Head of Private Equity at eQ, Staffan Jåfs, noted that despite a less active M&A market, the small and mid-cap segment has seen more new investments and exits, presenting attractive opportunities in the lower middle market [5] - As of the end of 2024, eQ Asset Management had EUR 13.4 billion in assets under management, with EUR 3.3 billion allocated to private equity funds, demonstrating significant scale in asset management [5]

Core Viewpoint - Climb Global Solutions, Inc. has elected Paul Giovacchini to its Board of Directors, expanding the Board to seven members, with six being independent under Nasdaq standards [1][2]. Group 1: Board Composition and Leadership - The election of Paul Giovacchini adds significant experience to the Board, with over 30 years in private equity, corporate governance, and board leadership [2]. - Giovacchini's previous roles include Lead Independent Director at TPI Composites, where he played a key role in transforming the company into a global public enterprise [2]. - The Chairman of the Board, John McCarthy, emphasized that Giovacchini's executive leadership and financial background will be crucial for Climb's operational foundation and growth initiatives [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Climb Global Solutions, Inc. specializes in value-added global IT distribution and solutions, focusing on emerging and innovative technologies [4]. - The company operates across the US, Canada, and Europe through various business units, including Climb Channel Solutions, Grey Matter, and Climb Global Services [4]. - Climb provides IT distribution and solutions in sectors such as Security, Data Management, Connectivity, Storage & HCI, Virtualization & Cloud, and Software & ALM [4].