The Small Scoop: December 2024 roundup of insights, trends and updates.

The Small Scoop is your monthly digest of the latest insights, trends, and updates shaping the world of private equity, venture capital, startups, and scaleups. From breaking industry news to expert takes on talent, culture, and growth strategies, we distill the most impactful stories to keep you ahead of the curve. Whether you’re scaling your team, investing in high-growth companies, or navigating the fast-paced world of PE and VC, this is your essential roundup for staying informed and inspired. ??

A Turning Point for the Energy Transition

Trump’s return to the White House signals a significant shift in U.S. energy policy, prioritising fossil fuels and energy independence over the ongoing global push for clean energy and sustainability. His administration’s focus on deregulation, energy exports, and support for traditional energy sources will likely reinforce the U.S. as a dominant player in global fossil fuel markets, but at the expense of renewable energy growth and climate action.

This shift presents challenges not only for the U.S. but also for international collaboration on climate change. While the EU and other regions continue to drive green energy initiatives, Trump’s policies could create friction and slow the global momentum towards the energy transition.

For businesses, this evolving landscape demands agility. Whether you are navigating the transition to renewable energy or adjusting your strategies to address the changing political and economic environment, staying ahead of the curve will be essential. At The Small Consultancy, we help organisations adapt to market shifts through strategic workforce planning, recruitment, and employer branding. As the energy landscape evolves, we’re here to ensure your business is equipped to thrive in an uncertain and ever-changing environment.

Read more about Trump and the Energy Transition here

Key Moments That Shaped 2025 in Private Equity, Startups, and Scaleups

As 2024 draws to a close, we look back on a year that was marked by transformation, resilience, and strategic pivots across private equity, startups, and scaleups. Amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and shifting market dynamics, businesses across these sectors have not only survived but thrived by adapting to the changing environment.

Private Equity: 2024 was defined by a focus on operational value creation as rising capital costs forced firms to prioritise internal efficiencies over financial engineering. PE firms increasingly looked to streamline operations within their portfolio companies, integrating talent management strategies that emphasised leadership development. Sector-focused funds became more prominent, with investors heavily backing industries such as renewable energy, healthcare, and technology. These trends reflected a growing alignment with global ESG goals, particularly as COP28 underscored the importance of sustainable investing. Additionally, the middle market saw a strong performance, with increased activity in succession planning and business transitions. These strategic shifts have proven vital for maintaining investor confidence in a volatile landscape.

Startups: Resilience was the hallmark of the startup ecosystem in 2024. AI continued to dominate, with generative AI applications receiving the lion’s share of venture capital funding, while alternative funding models like revenue-based financing and crowdfunding became more popular as startups sought to avoid traditional venture capital routes. Startups also adopted a more sustainable approach to growth, prioritising profitability over rapid expansion, signaling a shift in investor expectations. As companies focused on leaner operations, HR departments played a key role in fostering efficiency and accountability, which helped many startups reach breakeven or profitability for the first time.

Scaleups: Scaling sustainably remained a challenge for many scaleups in 2024. Despite geopolitical instability and economic headwinds, many companies successfully expanded into new international markets, leveraging local partnerships to mitigate risks. Hybrid work models also became a permanent fixture, with companies redesigning workspaces and investing in collaboration tools to support flexible work arrangements. As talent retention became a strategic focus, scaleups embraced neuroinclusive practices and flexible benefits to compete with larger corporations for top talent. This focus on people and culture was critical for growth and operational efficiency, helping businesses maintain strong teams even in uncertain times.

Looking Ahead to 2025: As we look to 2025, the key lessons from 2024 will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of private equity, startups, and scaleups. The ability to adapt to changing market conditions, foster resilience, and focus on sustainable growth will remain crucial. Whether you’re navigating economic pressures or advancing innovation in your sector, the teams that are agile and people-focused will lead the way.

At The Small Consultancy, we’re ready to help you navigate the complexities of talent attraction, retention, and development, alongside your marketing strategy. Let’s make 2025 your most successful year yet.

New Episode: The Small Podcast Series 2, Episode 2 ??

Episode 2 of The Small Podcast is LIVE! In this exciting episode, Caroline Hall, founder and Head of Talent at The Small Consultancy, is joined by Rob Kerner, a seasoned business transformation expert. Together, they explore:

? The rise of fractional leadership and its benefits for startups and scaleups.

? Key differences between fractional C-level roles, interim positions, and NEDs.

? Practical strategies for driving business transformation and achieving sustainable growth.

Whether you're a founder, a leader, or simply curious about innovative leadership and transformation strategies, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways!

?? Listen now on your favourite podcast platform: Click here to tune in

??? Be the Voice of Series 3!

The Small Podcast is returning in 2025, and we’re looking for dynamic, inspiring guest speakers to join the conversation. Got insights on recruitment, scaling startups, or navigating business growth? Email [email protected] or drop us a message.

Thank you for reading!?

Don't forget to subscribe to get next month's edition straight to your inbox.

?? Catch up with all our latest blog posts: https://thesmallconsultancy.com/blog/

Flexible in-house recruitment for private equity and PE-backed scaleups, startups and carveouts

Is Your Scale Up About To Blow Up?

We offer flexible in-house recruitment services perfect for the needs of scaleups, startups and private equity portfolios going through period of growth and change. Whether you need a full time recruiter or support one day a week, we have a flexible, agile and scalable solution.

?? Found out more about The Small Consultancy and get in touch here.