The energy was unmistakable at Apex Invest Europe 2025. Against the elegant backdrop of the Lausanne Palace this September, Europe’s leading fund managers, allocators, and institutional investors gathered with a clear message: opportunity is outweighing uncertainty.
The numbers tell a compelling story of renewed confidence across private markets, where strategic conviction is shaping bold allocation decisions and technology is redefining how investment value is created and measured.
- Optimism rises above the noise
Despite ongoing global headwinds, investor sentiment has turned decisively positive. 63% of attendees expressed a bullish outlook for the next 12 months, citing improving inflation trends and clearer policy signals as drivers of growth.
This optimism comes with precise risk management. Geopolitics now informs portfolio construction for 74% of investors, with 42% making tactical adjustments and 32% integrating these factors into long-term strategy. This is not reactive repositioning, but a calculated response to a more complex global landscape. - Real assets claim the crown
European investors are directing their strongest convictions towards tangible value. 46% expect real assets to deliver the best performance, ahead of digital assets (18%), private equity (14%), and venture capital (14%).
Infrastructure, renewable energy, and logistics remain key destinations for institutional capital, offering both income and inflation protection in an environment that prizes reliability and measured growth. These choices reflect disciplined positioning for long-term portfolio resilience. - AI adoption accelerates
Technology has moved from experimentation to integration. 86% of respondents are already investing in AI, with another 10% planning to do so within a year. AI is no longer an abstract concept but an operational asset that supports due diligence, oversight, and data-driven investment evaluation.
Tokenisation presents a more deliberate opportunity. 58% are exploring strategies in this arena, while 37% are building their knowledge before allocating capital. This balanced approach illustrates institutional caution, not hesitation, as investors weigh innovation against changes in regulation. - Jurisdiction quality trumps cost
For fund establishment, reputation continues to outweigh convenience. 60% of the respondents place regulatory credibility with allocators above cost or speed. Luxembourg and Ireland remain leading jurisdictions, supported by trusted frameworks and consistent investor protection. - Beyond traditional boundaries
Diversification is broadening across new asset types. Half of respondents do not include sports investment in their mandate, while 15% already invest in teams or leagues, 20% are exploring media and technology, and 15% are waiting for improved deal flow. The findings suggest growing interest in areas where performance, entertainment, and data intersect under structured investment models.
The path forward
European investors are demonstrating clear intent, combining innovation with discipline and coupling regional expertise with international reach. Real assets and regulatory strength continue to define allocation priorities, while digital integration is reshaping portfolio strategy.
This is far from tentative optimism. It’s a deliberate positioning for the next stage of private market growth.
Our 2026 Apex Invest Global Series is now live!
We are proud to announce the 2026 Apex Invest Global Series, four capital-raising events connecting allocators and fund managers across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.
Mark your calendar:
• Apex Invest Americas: April 20–21, 2026 | Nashville
• Apex Invest APAC: May 18–19, 2026 | Singapore
• Apex Invest Europe: October 6–7, 2026 | Luxembourg
• Apex Invest Middle East: November 9–10, 2026 | Abu Dhabi
* All statistics in this article are drawn from a live poll conducted among attendees during Apex Invest Europe 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial product. Professional advice should be sought before making any investment decisions.
