Deploying Data: The Impact of Surveys on Private Equity

Research technology (aka ResTech, or RT) continues to evolve, as does demand for faster, actionable insights. A cycle of historical events, uncertainty and ‘interesting times’ calls for innovative solutions designed to adapt to the complexities of the modern?business landscape.?

For private equity professionals, this year marks an inflection point for their investment activity, due diligence processes, and overall risk appetite. At the end of 2024, sunny forecasts of upside potential for investors pictured private equity firms rearing to soak up lower interest rates, refresh their portfolios and make the most of the dry (powder).??

However, key factors continue to tip the barometer:??

• Risk appetite: While inflation begins to ease, the psychological impact of inflation in recent years may curb the enthusiasm of net buyers and sellers alike.?A surplus of dry powder can raise optimism with all its investment opportunities; choice paralysis may also strike at how best to deploy it.??
• Regulatory scrutiny: As seen of recent in the UK and the US, the implications of tightening regulations for deal sizes, structures and timelines present the challenge of bolstering investment strategies against a steep learning curve.??
• Limitations to GenAI: As the race to innovate juxtaposes scepticism across the corporate sphere, the efficiency and processing power of AI contends with a current lack of practical use cases, nascent legislative oversight and very real risks of data breaches, inaccuracy, incompleteness and obsolescence.????

The multi-trillion dollar question is: how do you weather a critical period of demand and doubt??

Our purpose – knowledge sharing through people and technology – is reflective of what we believe is the path forward through a rapidly evolving business landscape. Resourcefulness is as key to your processes as it is to investing in the right strategic relationships.??

2025 sees Atheneum bring 15 years’ experience at the forefront of addressing critical challenges for our private equity clients, providing the tools and expertise they need to make informed investment decisions. That includes comprehensive, up-to-date market expertise - the Atheneum edge is in our offering of access to a global network of verified, custom-recruited experts. Our research solutions provide clarity and actionable insights in private equity’s fast-paced environment.?

How Surveys Drive Strategic Insights?

Surveys are a cornerstone of Atheneum’s research capabilities. They enable clients to collect critical information from professionals across various industries. Surveys offer a way to uncover key trends, challenges, and opportunities.?

For private equity clients, this means gaining insights into:?

• Market dynamics and competitor landscapes?
• Customer perceptions of a company's products or service?
• Employee engagement and satisfaction levels within target companies?

These insights not only help clients identify future opportunities but also highlight any negative trends lurking under the surface that may require consideration. Surveys are a powerful tool for any seasoned researcher or business owner. They provide evidence to support or counter theories and assumptions by giving clarity through hard data. Unlike qualitative data, which may be subject to some bias or interpretation, survey results are numerical, definitive, and actionable — provided the questionnaire is designed correctly. Its clients can rely on results with confidence.?

Understanding "Why"?

While ‘hard’ data is invaluable, Atheneum doesn’t stop at numbers. Our unique approach allows clients to uncover the "why" behind the data. By connecting with experts directly, clients can delve into the opinions and reasoning that underpin survey responses.?

This understanding is valuable in investment decisions, where knowing not only what experts think but why they think it can reveal critical insights.?

• Why do they prefer one service over another??

• Why they think a certain factor contributes to a company’s competitive edge??

• How do employees perceive leadership or organisational changes??

These qualitative insights complement survey data, which gives the user a fuller picture and enables our clients to act with accuracy and confidence in their investments.?

Why Atheneum??

At Atheneum, we combine advanced methodologies with unparalleled access to expert knowledge. Our surveys are designed to be seamless and efficient, ensuring participants remain engaged and deliver thoughtful responses.??

Clients benefit from:?

• Rapid access to insights?

• Cost-effective data collection?

• The ability to gather and analyze extensive datasets quickly?

With a focus on quality and reliability, we deliver solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of private equity professionals. By bridging the gap between quantitative data and qualitative understanding, Atheneum empowers our clients to navigate complex markets and take advantage of opportunities with clarity and conviction.?

Conclusion

Investment decisions demand more than surface-level research—they require depth, nuance, and precision. Atheneum provides private equity clients with the tools, expertise, and insights needed to make decisions confidently and strategically. By leveraging our global network of experts and advanced survey methodologies, clients gain not only the data they need but also the deeper understanding that drives meaningful outcomes.?

As business questions evolve, Atheneum remains committed to delivering faster, smarter solutions that keep our clients ahead of the curve.??

#EmpoweringThroughExpertise #PrivateEquity