Four Key Predictions for Private Equity in 2026: AI, Valuation Pressure, Liquidity, and Sector Strategies

Private equity firms in 2026 will face uncertainty, valuation pressure, and selective liquidity. AI adoption, interest-rate dynamics, and evolving exit and sector strategies will be critical differentiators. Opportunities emerging include AI-driven business model transformation, increasingly complex AI orchestrations, longer-term core infrastructure and capability investments, and better planning for workforce adoption and operating model shifts. Funds will take a more active role in creating repeatable AI playbooks and infrastructure patterns.