Private Equity Q1 Insights: Adapting to Economic Shifts and Deal Market Trends

BluWave’s Karma School of Business

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney shares key insights from Q1 2025, covering private equity activity and responses to evolving economic conditions. Examining GDP, easing inflation, and rebounding deal activity, Sean discusses how private equity professionals are adapting strategies to capitalize on opportunities while managing risks such as emerging tariffs and global complexities. Episode Highlights:

• [00:04:03] Economic Landscape: Sean breaks down Q1 economic data, including inflation approaching the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, GDP evaluation, and job market resilience with a 4% unemployment rate.
• [00:05:23] Deal Market Trends: BluWave’s activity index reveals rising due diligence activity, with Q1 showing a 15% year-over-year increase. Sean highlights stronger deal flow from firms like Hidden Harbor.
• [00:10:47] Tariff Volatility: Sean explains how new tariff policies are driving demand for procurement and logistics strategies as private equity firms adapt to unforeseen complexities.
• [00:18:01] Strategic Recalibration: Sean discusses the importance of clearer guidance from Washington and how private equity continues to mitigate risk while identifying opportunities in an uncertain global landscape.

To request the Q1 2025 Private Equity Insights Report, go to https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report.