As the private capital landscape continues to evolve, so do the challenges and opportunities for startups, scaleups, and portfolio companies seeking growth. Recent insights from Preqin’s 2024 survey of private capital firms offer a compelling outlook on hiring trends, gender diversity, and compensation shifts. Understanding these trends can help growing companies make informed talent acquisition decisions and build more inclusive teams. We’ve highlighted some of the top findings:
Rising Demand for Capital-Raising Talent
One of the most striking trends in the private capital sector is the spike in demand for capital-raising talent. While investment (deal) teams remain the highest priority for hiring and retention, cited by 64% of respondents, the proportion of firms looking to expand their capital-raising teams has surged from 9% in 2023 to 15% in 2024.
For startups and scaleups seeking external funding, this shift signals increased competition among firms vying for investor attention. Ensuring your pitch stands out and building strong relationships with these expanding teams will be more critical than ever. Additionally, portfolio companies can benefit from engaging with capital-raising specialists who understand the nuances of securing follow-on investments.

Progress in Female Representation at Senior Levels
Diversity and inclusion continue to be focal points in the private capital industry. Encouragingly, the representation of women across various levels has improved significantly:
- Senior management roles: Up from 28% in 2023 to 39% in 2024
- Mid-level roles: Increased from 41% to 45%
- Junior-level roles: Rose from 46% to 49%
However, female participation in executive management remains low at just 14%, compared to 13% in 2023.
For growing companies, these figures underscore the importance of fostering a diverse talent pipeline. Not only does diversity drive innovation, but it also enhances company reputation and investor appeal. As startups and scaleups build their leadership teams, prioritising gender balance and creating pathways for women to ascend to executive roles can set them apart in a competitive market.
Base Salaries on the Rise for Junior Talent
Compensation trends reveal that base salaries for junior and mid-level positions are experiencing the highest growth, with median increases of 7.6% and 8.0%, respectively. Senior-level salaries rose by 6.0%, while executive management saw a more modest median increase of 5.0%.
For startups and scaleups, this data presents a dual challenge and opportunity. On one hand, rising salaries may strain budgets, especially for early-stage companies. On the other, competitive compensation packages are key to attracting top-tier talent. Balancing these factors will be crucial for retaining promising junior and mid-level employees who can grow with the company.
Positive Long-Term Outlook for Private Capital
Despite recent economic headwinds, the private capital sector is poised for significant growth. With $12.3 trillion in assets under management (AUM) globally at the end of 2023, this figure is projected to nearly double to $23.5 trillion by 2029. This optimistic outlook bodes well for startups and scaleups seeking funding, as well as for portfolio companies aiming to scale operations.
As Michael Patterson, Senior Associate of Research Insights at Preqin, highlights in the report, “the private capital business is still growing, despite some challenging years.” For companies navigating this ecosystem, the potential for growth remains strong—provided they can stay agile and responsive to market changes.
Final Thoughts
For startups, scaleups, and portfolio companies, these insights offer valuable guidance in shaping hiring strategies, fostering diversity, and managing compensation. Whether you’re aiming to raise capital, scale your team, or enhance leadership diversity, staying informed about these trends will help you remain competitive in a dynamic market.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to position your company for success in this evolving landscape, The Small Consultancy can help. With expertise in talent acquisition, people strategy, and recruitment marketing, we’re here to support your growth journey.