By: Elena Mart
In the landscape of global capital markets, securing investment has become a more intricate and selective process. Fund managers and entrepreneurs are increasingly adopting strategic, well-prepared approaches to capital raising as traditional tactics are facing greater scrutiny in the face of investor evaluation, geopolitical uncertainty, and macroeconomic shifts. Today’s environment calls for more detailed diligence, clearer narratives, and alignment between investor expectations and company fundamentals.
According to McKinsey’s 2024 Global Private Markets Review, global private equity fundraising declined for the third consecutive year, falling by 24% from the year prior. This decline signals more than just a market cooling; it represents a shift in how institutional investors assess opportunities. Limited Partners (LPs) are demanding more than just strong returns; they’re now evaluating operational discipline, risk controls, and the sustainability of portfolio strategies.
Amid this shift, boutique advisory firms are emerging as key facilitators in helping companies navigate the capital-raising process. Zurich-based Vortex Capital is one such firm that operates across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Rather than simply making introductions, such firms focus on aligning companies with investor expectations through a disciplined, end-to-end process rooted in strategic positioning.
“Capital is still flowing,” says Dimitri Dieterle, Managing Partner at Vortex Capital, “but how you approach the market matters more than ever.”
The process increasingly begins with readiness. Today’s LPs are selective, often requesting more detailed insights into a company’s operating model, competitive positioning, and scalability before considering deeper conversations. According to Bain & Company, this post-2021 investor behavior signals a broader trend toward allocating capital to ventures that present well-prepared narratives backed by clear data and execution plans.
Firms supporting capital raises are, in many cases, helping clients conduct internal reviews, refine messaging, and assess market fit. “It’s not about embellishing a pitch deck, it’s about building a case that stands up to institutional scrutiny,” notes Fabian Kis, Managing Partner at Vortex. The objective is not simply visibility, but resonance: helping companies engage the right investors with clarity and credibility.
Execution also matters. In a market where fundraising timelines are extending, often due to prolonged diligence phases, companies can benefit from consistent and adaptable communication strategies. Investors increasingly expect responsiveness, transparency, and flexibility throughout the engagement process. “Dynamic engagement is now a key part of the equation,” says Dieterle. “As diligence stretches out, maintaining momentum requires proactive effort.”
Despite headwinds, capital continues to flow into resilient and high-growth sectors. Industries such as biotechnology, fintech, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence remain attractive to global investors. According to McKinsey, around 30% of surveyed LPs plan to increase allocations to private equity over the next 12 months, largely driven by the search for diversification amid fluctuations in public markets and shifting geopolitical risks.
That said, this renewed interest does not equate to easier access. As a result, both companies like Vortex and their advisors are investing considerable time upfront to prepare for what has become a more rigorous and competitive fundraising environment.
Looking ahead, the role of strategic advisors in capital markets is expected to expand, especially among firms seeking to strengthen their positioning, navigate investor relationships, and manage complex multi-party negotiations. While no outcome is guaranteed, the right preparation and positioning can make a meaningful difference in how companies are perceived and received in the market.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional advice from qualified financial or investment advisors for tailored guidance.
Published by Jeremy S.
