Retail brokerage Robinhood announced plans to launch a fund that would give individual investors access to a basket of private companies. The initiative is positioned as an effort to address persistent imbalances in access to capital markets. However, the structure has drawn comparisons to the initial coin offering (ICO) era. Though the fund will be regulated, it carries several material risks. Opening Private Markets To Retail Robinhood formally announced its Robinhood Ventures Fund I (RVI) on Tuesday, ...

Core Viewpoint - P10, Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Stellus Capital Management for an initial purchase price of $250 million, which will add approximately $3.8 billion in assets under management to P10's portfolio [1][2][4]. Company Overview - P10, Inc. is a leading private markets solutions provider with over $40 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025, focusing on private equity, private credit, and venture capital in the middle and lower-middle market [8]. - Stellus Capital Management specializes in senior secured loans in the lower-middle market and has a track record of investing over $10.3 billion across more than 375 companies [2][9]. Transaction Details - The acquisition involves 100% of Stellus's equity interests and fee-related earnings, excluding existing private fund carried interest or performance fees [4]. - The initial consideration of $250 million consists of $125 million in cash and $125 million in units of P10 Intermediate Holdings, LLC, which can be exchanged for P10 common stock [5]. - An additional earnout consideration of up to $60 million may be payable based on fee-related revenue in 2027 and 2029 [5]. Strategic Fit - The acquisition aligns with P10's long-term strategy to partner with specialized investment managers in the middle and lower-middle market, enhancing its direct lending capabilities [3]. - Stellus's existing management team will continue to operate the firm, maintaining its investment decision-making processes [1][3]. Future Outlook - The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, subject to shareholder approvals and customary closing conditions, and is anticipated to be modestly accretive to P10's ANI per share and FRE margin in the first full year post-close [6].

BlackRock and Partners Group launched the first joint private-markets investment of their partnership aimed at grabbing a slice of the trillions of dollars sitting in the hands of wealthy individuals https://t.co/sFG2N0hshF ...

Core Viewpoint - State securities regulators are opposing the "Increasing Investor Opportunities Act" (INVEST Act), arguing it would expand private market access while undermining public market disclosure and investor protection [2][3]. Group 1: Legislative Context - The INVEST Act combines over 20 bills and is set for a vote in the House of Representatives next week [4]. - The bill aims to align investment options for 403(b) retirement plans with those of 401(k) plans [4]. Group 2: Proposed Changes - The bill proposes to expand the definition of accredited investors, incorporating criteria such as inflation-adjusted net worth and income tests, as well as qualifications based on education or experience [5]. - It mandates the SEC to create an exam program to certify accredited investors within one year [5]. Group 3: Implications for Investors - Currently, accredited investors, who can access private markets, must meet specific wealth thresholds, including an annual income of at least $200,000 or a net worth exceeding $1 million, excluding primary residences [6]. - The proposed changes could potentially increase the size of private markets, which are characterized by illiquidity risks and minimal disclosure requirements, posing risks to investors [3].

Core Insights - StepStone Group reported Q3 CY2025 results that exceeded Wall Street's revenue expectations, with a year-on-year sales increase of 35.2% to $282.3 million and a non-GAAP profit of $0.54 per share, surpassing analysts' consensus estimates by 10.6% [1][3][6] Financial Performance - Revenue reached $282.3 million, beating analyst estimates of $265.4 million, reflecting a 35.2% year-on-year growth and a 6.4% beat [6] - Adjusted EPS was $0.54 compared to analyst estimates of $0.49, marking a 10.6% beat [6] - Adjusted Operating Income stood at $112.5 million, exceeding estimates of $108.6 million, with a margin of 39.9% [6] - Operating Margin was reported at -256%, a decline from 24.4% in the same quarter last year [6] - Market Capitalization is currently $4.89 billion [6] Private Wealth Platform - The firm experienced record-breaking subscriptions in its Private Wealth channel, with $2.4 billion in new inflows and over $700 million attracted by the new STPEX private equity interval fund in its first month [7] - Strong institutional fundraising was evident, generating $3.8 billion in managed account additions, with a retention rate above 90% [7] Geographic and Product Expansion - StepStone expanded its global presence by opening offices in the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, enhancing its reach across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East [7] Data and Technology Advancements - The launch of Kroll StepStone Private Credit benchmarks and FTSE StepStone Global Private Market Indices was highlighted, providing daily institutional-grade benchmarks and laying the groundwork for future index-based investment products [8] Expense Trends - Operating expenses increased due to higher spending on technology, travel, and expansion projects, with expectations for further cost increases in upcoming quarters related to major industry events and infrastructure investments [8]

Core Insights - StepStone Group has opened a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its commitment to clients in the region [1][2] - The new office aims to deepen relationships with investors and expand access to private market opportunities, supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 [2][3] - StepStone's presence in Riyadh is its first physical location in the Middle East, reflecting a focus on long-term partnerships and local market opportunities [3][4] Company Overview - As of June 30, 2025, StepStone Group manages approximately $723 billion in total capital, including $199 billion in assets under management [5] - The firm provides customized investment solutions and advisory services to a diverse client base, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and high-net-worth individuals [5] - StepStone operates 31 offices across 19 countries, indicating a strong global presence [4]

Core Insights - Blue Owl Capital Inc. has appointed Greg Porteous as Managing Director and Head of Defined Contribution Retirement Solutions to enhance access to private markets and alternative investments in DC retirement plans across the US [1][3] Company Developments - Porteous previously worked at State Street Investment Management, where he led teams in developing key DC relationships and partnerships [2] - His experience includes senior roles at BlackRock and UBS, indicating a strong background in the investment management industry [2] Market Context - The appointment of Porteous aligns with a growing demand in the defined contribution market for access to private markets and differentiated sources of return [3] - Blue Owl is committed to integrating alternatives like private credit and real assets into DC plans through collective investment trusts (CITs) [3] Strategic Partnerships - Blue Owl has partnered with Voya Financial to create private market investment products tailored for DC retirement plans, focusing on launching CITs that provide access to Blue Owl's strategies [4] - The collaboration aims to deliver outcome-oriented solutions to help participants build resilient portfolios and achieve retirement goals [4]

Core Insights - StepStone Private Wealth Solutions (SPWS) has achieved significant growth, reaching $10.2 billion in assets under management as of July 31, 2025, positioning itself as a key player in private markets investment [1][2][3] Company Overview - StepStone Group is a global private markets investment firm managing approximately $723 billion in total capital, including $199 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025 [6] - The firm serves a diverse clientele, including large pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals [6] Growth Drivers - The growth of SPWS is attributed to increased allocations to private market assets, particularly through evergreen and semi-liquid structures, with investments from private banks, wealth managers, and family offices [2][3] - Engagement from Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and strategic partnerships with financial intermediaries have been crucial in driving investments across SPWS's product offerings, which include private equity, venture capital, private debt, and infrastructure [2][3] Strategic Initiatives - SPWS is enhancing investor access by lowering investment minimums and eliminating accredited investor status for several wealth products in the US [4][7] - The firm has partnered with Goji to improve access to its global private market evergreen funds, including the SCRED ELTIF and UCI Part II structure [4][7] - StepStone Academy is expanding to provide on-demand continuing education credits for financial professionals, offering resources to enhance understanding of private markets [5][7] Market Positioning - StepStone differentiates itself through its proprietary intelligence platform (SPI by StepStone) and extensive relationships with leading deal sponsors, enhancing its global reach with 29 offices [3][6] - The firm aims to address legacy barriers in private market investments, providing simplified and transparent structures for investors [3][4]

Company Overview - StepStone Group is a global private markets investment firm with approximately $709 billion in total capital as of March 31, 2025, including $189 billion in assets under management [2] - The firm serves a diverse client base, including large public and private pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals [2] Partnership with Goji - StepStone Group is leveraging Goji's technology to enhance access to its European private market evergreen funds, aiming to simplify the investor journey [1] - Goji provides a technology-enabled investment platform that offers a secure, scalable, and customizable solution for asset managers and investors [3] - The collaboration is expected to deliver a streamlined and efficient investment experience, supported by Euroclear's digital infrastructure and regulatory expertise [1] Fund Performance - StepStone Private Markets (Luxembourg) ("SPRIM Lux") has $351 million in assets under management and a total net return of 43.81% since its inception in September 2022 [4] - StepStone Private Venture and Growth (Luxembourg) ("SPRING Lux") has $427 million in assets under management with a total net return of 70.65% since its inception in November 2022 [4] - StepStone Private Infrastructure (Luxembourg) ("STRUCTURE Lux") has $89.9 million in assets under management and a total net return of 32.24% since its inception in September 2023 [4] - StepStone Private Credit Europe ELTIF ("SCRED Europe") launched in February 2025 with over €250 million in seed capital, focusing on a diversified European private credit strategy [4]

Core Viewpoint - StepStone Group Inc. has expanded access to its private market evergreen funds through a partnership with Bergos AG, a Swiss private bank managing CHF7.3 billion in assets, enhancing investor access to institutional-quality private market investments globally [1][3]. Company Overview - StepStone Group Inc. is a global private markets investment firm with approximately $698 billion in total capital, including $179 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024 [3]. - The firm provides customized investment solutions and advisory services to a diverse client base, including large pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and high-net-worth individuals [3]. Fund Details - The following StepStone funds are now available through Bergos AG: - **SPRING Lux**: A venture and growth strategy fund with $341.7 million in assets under management (AUM) and a total net return of 59.92% since its inception in November 2022 [5]. - **STRUCTURE Lux**: A private infrastructure fund with $79.9 million in AUM and a total net return of 24.91% since its inception in September 2023 [5]. - **SCRED Lux**: A private credit fund with $43.6 million in AUM, focusing on various credit-related strategies since its inception in June 2024 [5]. - **SCRED Europe**: A newly launched private credit fund with over €250 million in seed capital, targeting senior secured direct lending in Europe [5]. Partnership Significance - The partnership with Bergos AG aligns with StepStone's mission to provide broader access to private market investments, reflecting shared values between the two institutions [1].