US PE/VC Benchmark Commentary: First Half 2025
In the first half of 2025, US private equity continued its run of low single-digit quarterly returns, while US venture capital extended its recovery from a tough stretch of flat performance.
In the first half of 2025, US private equity continued its run of low single-digit quarterly returns, while US venture capital extended its recovery from a tough stretch of flat performance.
Private equity delivered stronger results than venture capital in global ex US markets during the first half of 2025, mirroring the trend seen in the United States,
Thoughtful portfolio construction across private markets will be key to capturing diversification and return opportunities in a morphing environment in 2026.
Blockchain and crypto-focused venture capital (BCVC) funds offer a compelling opportunity alongside traditional venture capital (VC) strategies. In this piece, we explore the market dynamics shaping cryptoassets, share our rationale for including BCVC in VC portfolios, and outline key considerations for integration into institutional portfolios.
This report presents an analysis of manager responses submitted via Cambridge Associates’ operational due diligence questionnaire.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 7 directing the Department of Labor and SEC to issue guidance on the inclusion of private market assets in 401(k) plans, marking a pivotal step toward unlocking a major new source of demand for private assets and substantially accelerating the democratization of the asset class.
US tariffs added to market volatility in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Nevertheless, most risk assets ended the year higher, supported by strong earnings ahead of tariff uncertainty and the prospect of continued central bank policy easing to support growth.
With a backdrop of strong, yet concentrated public markets, US private equity and venture capital posted mid to high single-digit returns in 2024, as venture capital bounced back from its two-year streak (2022–23) of negative returns.
Like in the United States, private equity outperformed venture capital in ex US markets in 2024, and with a strong US dollar, returns were much better when measured in euros.
As the second piece in a three-part series, we examine how AI may support productivity growth and how capital is being deployed to realize its potential.