Group 1 - The CEO of EQT, Per Franzén, warns that approximately 80% of private equity firms may become "zombie" firms within the next decade, only managing existing portfolios without the ability to raise new funds [1] - There are over 15,000 private equity firms currently, but only about 5,000 have successfully raised funds in the past seven years. It is expected that less than half of these firms will be able to raise funds in the next five to ten years, leading to an increase in the number of zombie firms by thousands [1] - The private equity industry is facing severe structural challenges, with a decline in transaction activity making it difficult for funds to return capital to investors, resulting in a deteriorating fundraising environment [1] Group 2 - In the next fundraising cycle, only 50 to 100 diversified firms are expected to attract about 90% of the capital flowing into the private equity market, indicating an unprecedented increase in industry concentration and a survival crisis for many small and mid-sized firms [1] - Many private equity firms are increasing management fee income from existing funds and relying more on fund extensions, which allow firms to continue holding investments by selling assets to themselves. However, this is not seen as a sustainable business model [2] - Despite fundraising difficulties, some executives remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for private equity, citing significant demand for private capital over the next one to two decades and potential capital inflows [2]