Core Viewpoint - The liquidity crisis in private equity is highlighted by Yale University's significant sale of $60 billion in private equity assets, which has seen little interest from buyers despite being offered at a discount [1][2][3] Group 1: Yale University's Asset Sale - Yale University announced the sale of its private equity assets, marking a historic move as it is the largest LP-initiated sale globally [2] - The expected price for the assets was around 90% of face value, but reports indicate that the actual offers are significantly lower, with discounts reaching up to 15% [2][3] - The urgency to complete the sale before the fiscal year-end has led to a lack of competitive bids, reflecting a broader trend of liquidity challenges in the market [2][3] Group 2: Broader Market Trends - The trend of LPs selling assets at steep discounts is becoming more common, with recent reports indicating discounts of 10% to 20% on LP-led sales [3] - Harvard University and Texas Tech University are also looking to sell private equity assets, but face similar challenges with low offers [3] - The overall market for private equity exits is under pressure, with a significant number of funds entering extended periods without returns [5][6] Group 3: Impact on LPs and GPs - Many LPs are expressing frustration over the lack of returns, with reports indicating that a majority of funds established since 2015 have not returned more than half of the invested capital [5][6] - The liquidity crisis is prompting LPs to reassess their investment strategies, leading to a tightening of capital and increased scrutiny on fund performance [6][7] - The emergence of "zombie funds," which have not exited or raised new funds, is indicative of the challenges facing the industry [7][8] Group 4: Industry Adaptation - Some GPs are reducing fund sizes and returning capital to LPs as a strategy to navigate the current market conditions [9] - The shift away from traditional VC models is evident, with firms exploring alternative investment avenues to attract capital [8][9] - The industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a focus on survival and profitability becoming paramount for both GPs and LPs [9]