In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

Switzerland has long been a magnet for global capital—and it’s easy to see why private equity thrives here. The country combines political stability, a sophisticated financial ecosystem, and a deep...

Inside August 2025’s $100 Billion Transformation in Business Technology August 2025 marked a significant period in enterprise technology investing, characterized by an influx of transactions and...

When it comes to deal sourcing, the universe is vast – and often fragmented. Information is scattered across filings, announcements, and rumors, making it difficult to separate noise from signal....

M&A activity in the RIA space picked up in September, with Dakota tracking 35 deals totaling $91B in acquired AUM, up from 26 deals in August with $40.9B AUM. The uptick in activity was driven...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

The SBIC program is a cornerstone of U.S. private capital, blending SBA leverage with private investment to back lower middle-market businesses, the backbone of the economy. Structured as...

If you’re on a private equity origination team, you already know the drill: tracking down private company data is tedious, messy, and—let’s be honest—pretty frustrating. Information is scattered...

Private equity deal sourcing has always been about getting ahead of the market, finding companies before your competitors do. Trade shows are one of the most underrated yet powerful ways to uncover...

Welcome to the Dakota Fund Spotlight Report, your curated snapshot of the top 10 most compelling funds coming soon or currently in the market. Each month, we will spotlight funds that stand out for...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

Private investments have exploded in recent years, and with that growth comes a new challenge: how to make sense of an increasingly crowded and complex private market. For due diligence analysts,...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

Whether you’re traveling for a conference, meetings, or a quick overnight trip, having reliable go-to spots in a city can make all the difference. At dakota, we’ve spent years on the road meeting...

The Northeast saw the most September advisor transitions with 21 moves totaling at least $5.9B in client assets, followed closely by the Southeast with 20 moves ($5.2B). The West was next with 15...

Industrials are in the middle of a structural re-rating, and the deal tape proves it. Once treated as a cyclical trade, the sector is now being reshaped by long-term drivers like reshoring, defense...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

While known globally for being the fashion mecca, Milan is the undisputed hub of Italy’s financial ecosystem and the center of gravity for private equity and alternative investments. The city’s dense...

NATO Innovation Fund Portfolio Overview Rising geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and the return of great power competition are driving record-high defense spending across NATO and beyond....

The private company data space is vast, fragmented, and often overwhelming. Deal sourcing teams are faced with endless streams of announcements, filings, and rumors, making it difficult to pinpoint...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

When most people hear Form ADV, they think “compliance.” After all, it’s a required regulatory filing for registered investment advisers (RIAs). But for investment sales professionals, Form ADV is...

Electronic Arts (EA) has agreed to a historic $55 billion take-private transaction, the largest leveraged buyout ever recorded. The deal is led by Silver Lake, alongside Saudi Arabia’s Public...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

If you’ve ever been responsible for raising capital or sourcing deals, you know one thing: databases are expensive. But they’re also essential. Without the right data, it’s nearly impossible to get...

The $31 Trillion Opportunity Most Fund Managers Are Approaching Wrong European institutional investors control $31 trillion in assets, yet 73% of fund managers report longer fundraising cycles in...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

The Shift That's Rewriting Global Capital Flows Middle East sovereign wealth funds deployed $136 billion globally in 2024, with 54% of all sovereign wealth fund flows worldwide originating from the...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

The September 2025 SBIC debenture pooling decision brought welcome news for general partners. $1.46 billion of debentures were priced at 4.532%, a meaningful decline from the 4.963% rate in March...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

When limited partners (LPs) evaluate private equity, venture capital, credit, or real asset funds, one of the most important steps is benchmarking fund performance. LPs want to understand how a fund...

If you’re in fundraising or deal sourcing, you already know: your time is valuable – and too much of it is spent tracking down information instead of making real progress. Fundraisers: You’ve likely...

The private company data space is vast, fragmented, and often overwhelming. Deal sourcing teams are faced with endless streams of announcements, filings, and rumors, making it difficult to pinpoint...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

“My Boss Told Me Our Strategy Wasn’t Ready for the RIA Space.” Here’s why they were wrong, and what I wish we’d done sooner. If you're in investment sales, especially as an emerging manager, you've...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

Continuation vehicles have rapidly evolved from a niche solution into a central feature of the private equity secondaries landscape. Once seen primarily as a tool for liquidity in legacy assets, they...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

In the world of wealth management, family offices represent the pinnacle of personalized wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families. These premier advisory entities...

For most investment sales teams, using a CRM isn’t the problem, it’s setting it up. Manual CRM configuration can take weeks (or months), cost thousands of dollars, and still leave investment...

We are pleased to present the Monthly Report of Recently Registered RIAs - August 2025. We are continuously blown away by the large number of newly independent RIAs and investment firms from the SEC...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

If you’re a private equity fundraiser, you already know: without a meeting, nothing happens. But getting that meeting? That’s where things get complicated. You need to: Understand your target market...

PsiQuantum has raised $1 billion in a Series E round valuing the company at $7 billion, one of the largest financings ever in the quantum computing space. BlackRock led the investment, joined by...

Figure Robotics has raised more than $1 billion in Series C commitments at a $39 billion post-money valuation. According to dakota transaction data, the deal adds to a run of activity that has...

Singapore has experienced remarkable economic growth in the 21st century, emerging as one of the most prosperous and dynamic economies in the world. Its business friendly policies, individualistic...

In this Dakota Research Interview, Chris LeRoy and Alex DeMarco sit down with Rob Brown, Head of Commercial Real Estate Finance at ArrowMark, to explore how the firm is navigating one of the most...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

At the institutional level, capital moves with purpose. Pension funds, endowments, and foundations manage massive pools of money, and with that comes the responsibility to invest it thoughtfully. To...

For the month of August, Dakota tracked nine new searches totaling $260M across public pensions, with mandates spanning international and US equities, private equity, liquid alternatives, and US...

The private company data space is vast, fragmented, and often overwhelming. Deal sourcing teams are faced with endless streams of announcements, filings, and rumors, making it difficult to pinpoint...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

Dakota was out in Huntington Beach for the Future Proof Festival. The agenda covered everything from AI disruption and macro outlooks to GP stakes and private market trends. Below are our key...

If you’re raising capital in today’s market, you can’t afford to ignore RIA aggregators. What started as a handful of firms has exploded into a wave of consolidation that’s reshaping how wealth...

If you’re an RIA, financial advisor, or private banker, you know your next great client often appears right after they sell their business. These moments, when a CEO experiences a major liquidity...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

The $50 Billion Race Where Second Place Means Missing Out European tech deal flow reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with London alone generating $10.8 billion in venture investments while...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

Asset-based finance (ABF) and asset-based lending (ABL) are rapidly moving from niche strategies to core pillars of private credit and private equity. Once seen as specialized lending, ABF has become...

Welcome to the Dakota Fund Spotlight Report, your curated snapshot of the top 10 most compelling funds currently in the market. Each month, we will spotlight funds that stand out for their strategy,...

In August, Dakota tracked over $19B across 171 commitments from 41 distinct pension funds and endowments. In this article, we highlight the top allocators and allocations made in the month of August...

The £380 Million Signal That's Reshaping UK Private Equity UK pension fund private equity allocations are experiencing their most dramatic transformation in decades. The numbers are compelling: LGPS...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

Toronto is a premier hub for private equity firms due to its strong financial infrastructure, deep pool of institutional investors, and vibrant dealmaking ecosystem. The city offers access to a...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

The $2 Trillion Divergence Reshaping European Private Markets Nordic institutional investors are deploying capital at nearly twice the rate of their Southern European counterparts, with alternatives...

In this Dakota Research Interview, Chris LeRoy speaks with Jed Johnson, Head of GP Solutions at ORIX Corporation USA, about the firm’s growing role in providing bespoke capital solutions to middle...

The private company data space is vast, fragmented, and often overwhelming. Deal sourcing teams are faced with endless streams of announcements, filings, and rumors, making it difficult to pinpoint...

Finding the right deal is hard enough. But these days, identifying an opportunity is just step one. The real challenge? Winning the deal, and that’s where things get competitive fast. Once you’ve...

As an investment sales professional, how you spend your time can make or break your capital raising goals. And too often, time gets wasted on firms that simply aren’t a fit for your strategy. It’s...

Private equity is no longer a quiet corner of finance; it has become one of the most dynamic forces shaping industries worldwide. The firms profiled here stand out not just for their assets under...

RIA deal activity slowed in August as the summer drew to a close, with Dakota tracking 26 announced transactions totaling $40.9B in acquired AUM – down from 32 deals and $57.1B in July. August...

New private markets funds got a big boost in August from overseas governments, with Dakota tracking newly launched funds seeking to raise $226B, based on confirmed and estimated targets, marking a...

A GP's Lens on Investable Tailwinds American energy is at an inflection point. The United States must balance reducing carbon emissions with meeting surging electricity demand from AI data centers, a...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

August advisor transitions spanned all five US regions, led by the Southeast with 16 moves representing approximately $6.5B in AUM. The Northeast followed with 15 moves ($3.1B), the Midwest with 12...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

The healthcare industry continues to be one of the most active and strategically important sectors for M&A and investment activity. From pharmaceutical giants expanding their pipelines to private...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

Paris is globally celebrated for its cuisine, architecture, culture, and deep historical roots. Yet beyond its iconic charm lies a thriving financial ecosystem that offers compelling opportunities...

In this Dakota Research Interview, Chris LeRoy and Alex DeMarco sit down with Warren Thomas, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ExchangeRight, to discuss how the firm has grown into one of the...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

Pension funds sit at the intersection of Main Street and Wall Street, bolstering retirement security and fueling private markets via the GP–LP alliance. That convergence is under pressure: reforms...

When you finally land a meeting with an allocator, your pitch has to deliver. The way you tell your story, how you frame it, sequence it, and communicate it, can be the difference between walking...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

As a CEO, you already know that acquisitions can transform the trajectory of your company… accelerating growth, expanding capabilities, and creating long-term advantage. But here’s the challenge: the...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

In the financial services industry, transaction news moves fast. From billion-dollar mergers to niche RIA roll-ups, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Staying on top of who’s buying, selling, or...

London stands as a global hub of history, culture, and influence. It is also a powerhouse of accessible capital. This unique combination has cemented its status as Europe’s premier financial center....

For investment bankers, time is money. Yet, too often, deal teams are forced to spend the majority of their hours piecing together company and executive information from LinkedIn, sponsor websites,...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

RIAs are one of the most dynamic and fast growing channels for investment firms to call on when fundraising. The challenge has always been: “what RIAs invest in outside managers and are not...

Private equity firms and deal teams know that healthcare is one of the most attractive sectors for investments. Physician practice management, behavioral health, home health, and healthcare IT are...

Welcome to Dakota Take 5, a new Q&A series that introduces our readers to investment firms shaping today’s private markets landscape. In each installment we pose five questions to a firm’s...

If you’ve been following industry chatter lately, you’ve probably heard the refrain: “Pension funds aren’t allocating to private markets right now.” It’s catchy. It’s repeated often. And it’s...

Singapore may cover only 283 square miles, yet its investors committed US $2.9 billion to new funds in 2025 year-to-date, with more on deck thanks to streamlined rules and a family-office boom. If...

In this Dakota Research Interview, Chris LeRoy and Alex DeMarco speak with Tim Ryan, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager of Real Assets at Russell Investments, about the firm’s...

Germany’s six largest cities now house €885 billion in tracked institutional assets, plus a brand-new regulatory tailwind that unlocked billions more for infrastructure investing. If you raise...

Tampa’s central location in the sunshine state has uniquely positioned it as an incredibly popular city for corporate relocation. The sunshine state’s favorable tax and regulatory environment has...

Here’s a number that’ll grab you: As of Q1 2025, defined contribution plans, primarily 401(k)s, hold $12.2 trillion in U.S. retirement assets, compared to $8.9 trillion in public-sector pensions and...

New private markets funds kicked off the second half of the year weaker than they closed the first half, based on confirmed and estimated targets, with Dakota tracking new funds targeting...

The question everyone seems to be asking right now is: “Will AI take my job?” Looking back on my fundraising career, which began in 1997, I’ve spent the majority of it fundraising for boutique...

Why the Communication Services Sector Matters The communication services sector includes the companies that transmit information and deliver the content that fills our screens, from...

Why the Utilities Sector Matters The utilities sector delivers the essential services that underpin modern life — electricity, natural gas, and clean water. These companies generate, transmit, and...

Why the Consumer Discretionary Sector Matters The consumer discretionary sector covers goods and services that are not essential to everyday life, from specialty retail and hospitality to luxury...

Why the Energy Sector Matters Affordable, accessible energy is the lifeline of modern economies, powering everything from hospitals and schools to manufacturing and data centers. Expanding access...

Why the Real Estate Sector Matters The real estate sector encompasses companies that own, operate, develop, and lease residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Beyond providing places to...

(Thank you to Balaji.com whose recent post on the Laffer Curve and AI inspired me using his language (slop) to articulate how we have always thought about data, but now from the AI angle. I give...

For the month of July, Dakota tracked approximately 13 investment RFPs representing approximately $2.75B in potential allocations across US and emerging market equity, private equity, real estate,...

Why the Consumer Staple Sector Matters Consumer staples are essential goods, from packaged foods and beverages to personal care products and cleaning supplies, purchased regularly regardless of...

Why the Information Technology Sector Matters The information technology (IT) sector powers the digital economy, enabling everything from e-commerce and remote collaboration to artificial...

Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds deployed $136.1B globally in 2024 (Ashurst), more than the entire US venture capital market, yet most Western fund managers capture only a fraction of this...

Raleigh, North Carolina has become a compelling destination for institutional investors due to its low corporate tax rate, pro-business regulations, and efficient permitting environment. The city...

Introduction 401(k) retirement plans have undergone a profound transformation over the past four decades. What began as a basic two-fund construct has evolved into a multi-layered, professionally...

In July, Dakota tracked over $9.7B across 120 investments from 41 distinct pension funds or entities disclosing their commitments. In this article, we highlight the top allocators and allocations...

At Dakota, we believe the edge comes from being early. That’s why our data team tracks every single SEC ADV filing, sifting through each one manually, to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date...

Why the Industrials Sector Matters The industrial sector, spanning manufacturing, construction, logistics, and specialized services, is a cornerstone of the global economy and a prime focus for...

Why the Financials Sector Matters The financial sector, encompassing banks, insurers, asset managers, capital markets, and a broad range of intermediaries, is a cornerstone of global economic...

Why the Healthcare Sector Matters The healthcare sector, spanning providers, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and health technology, is one of the largest and fastest-growing areas of the global...

When people think of venture capital, they immediately rattle off the usual suspects: Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia, Accel. That’s fine. But if you stop there, you’re missing the biggest shift...

RIA deal volume and acquired AUM increased in July compared to June, with Dakota tracking 32 announced transactions totaling over $57.1B in AUM for the month – up from 24 deals and $37.7B AUM tracked...

Austin is a dynamic hub for private equity growth, blending a booming business environment with a deep talent pool and a pro-innovation culture. Its rapidly expanding economy, driven by technology,...

July saw a number of marquee people moves punctuate a competitive recruiting landscape, with UBS on the departing end of two of the month’s largest advisor transitions, as $2B Entrepreneurs Group...

As a founder of a SaaS business I have spoken to so many cool, smart and talented private equity investors. Recently I was writing a blog after recording an episode of the Dakota Way Sales Coaching...

The Cincinnati metropolitan area boasts a diversified economic base that includes strong representation in healthcare, manufacturing, consumer goods, logistics, and financial services. Cincinnati has...

We are pleased to present the Monthly Report of Recently Registered RIAs - June 2025. We are continuously blown away by the large number of newly independent RIAs from the SEC report with a total of...

Time and focus are your most valuable assets in sales, and both are wasted the moment your effort is misdirected. City Scheduling isn’t just a tactic; it’s a system designed to ensure every minute of...

In a world full of complex CRM systems, expensive lead generation tools, and AI-driven automation, the most powerful sales tactic we’ve ever used at Dakota is also one of the simplest: City...

At Dakota, our mission has always been to make investment professionals more efficient, better informed, and one step ahead. But in today’s public equity landscape, that’s harder than ever —...

For the month of June, Dakota tracked 10 investment RFPs from eight distinct pensions, representing approximately $348M in disclosed potential allocations across international and domestic equities,...

St. Louis offers a uniquely compelling environment for capital markets activity, thanks to its reasonable cost of living, midwestern charm, and Missouri’s consistently pro-business policies. The city...

In the world of investment sales, growth is the name of the game Right now, defined contribution retirement plans, especially 401(k)s, are where the momentum is. While many sales teams zero in on...

Dakota's June 2025 Healthcare Transactions Report offers a data-rich analysis of healthcare deal activity, investment trends across key verticals, and emerging themes shaping capital deployment, all...

Just a few years ago, the idea of accessing private equity through a 401(k) seemed far-fetched. But today, that once-distant prospect is rapidly becoming a reality. The White House is expected to...

Over the past several years, the RIA industry has seen a dramatic rise in mergers and acquisitions, resulting in significant consolidation across the channel. This trend has been driven by private...

The Dakota Q2 2025 Public Pension Allocations Report offers a data-rich analysis of institutional capital deployment, asset class trends, and themes driving allocation behavior, all to deliver...

With its breathtaking landscapes, iconic national parks, and world-class ski resorts, Colorado’s natural beauty speaks for itself and the state’s appeal runs much deeper. Colorado is a powerhouse in...

Continuation vehicles have rapidly evolved from a niche solution into a central feature of the private equity secondaries landscape. Once viewed primarily as a tool for liquidity in legacy assets,...

The Dakota June Monthly Roundup offers data-driven insights on institutional capital allocation, fundraising trends, and strategic shifts across private markets.

In June, Dakota tracked nearly $36B across 203 investments from 46 distinct pension funds or entities disclosing their commitments. In this article, we highlight the top allocators and allocations...

San Diego proves that Los Angeles isn't the sole corporate magnet in Southern California. With dynamic capital markets and a business-friendly environment, the city offers private equity firms ample...

RIA M&A deal volume and acquired AUM roughly doubled in July compared to June, with Dakota tracking 24 deals involving more than $37.7B in AUM during the month, compared to 14 deals involving...

Raymond James once again led the recruiting charts in June, adding nine advisor teams with more than $3B in combined client assets, while rival LPL Financial remained active as well, picking up six...

Dallas, Texas has rapidly established itself as a leading destination for capital growth in the United States. Benefiting from the Lone Star State’s business-friendly policies, Dallas has become a...

We are pleased to present the Monthly Report of Newly Formed RIAs - May 2025. We are continuously blown away by the large number of newly created RIAs from the SEC report with a total of 220. As part...

This brief is a compilation of the meeting notes of June 2025 from public pensions across the country. Access them all in one place, right when you need them.

If you’ve ever tried to keep tabs on sponsor-backed portfolio companies, you know the drill. You’re tracking a company that just popped up in conversation, but the contact info you have is out of...

San Francisco is a prime destination for private equity investment, offering a dynamic blend of innovation, talent, and institutional strength. Its proximity to leading research universities fosters...

In today’s private equity landscape, finding the right deal is harder (and more important) than ever. The market is crowded. The data is incomplete. And the best opportunities? They rarely make it to...

For the month of May, Dakota tracked 12 institutional investors issuing 14 total investment RFPs for a collective allocation of $1.69B across international and domestic public equities, private...

Minneapolis boasts an eclectic and remarkably resilient economy, underpinned by strong Midwestern values and a multi-dimensional industrial base. It has a robust healthcare, financial services,...

Private equity firms today are under more pressure than ever to find off-market deals and manage a growing web of relationships. That’s why many have stopped building internal tools and instead...

In May, Dakota tracked over $13.47B across 126 investments from 36 distinct pension funds or entities disclosing their commitments. In this article, we highlight the top allocators and allocations...

As evidenced by the past few years, Texas’s economy is a state that has seen rapid transformation. Houston, the oil and gas hub of America, provides ample resources to private equity firms seeking...

If you’ve been in fundraising long enough, chances are you’ve either considered raising capital in the Middle East, or you've already made a trip or two. Maybe you’ve heard there’s over $6 trillion...

The Dakota May Monthly Roundup offers data-driven insights on institutional capital allocation, fundraising trends, and strategic shifts across private markets.

The month to month ups and downs in RIA M&A deal flows continued in May, with deal volume dipping to just 14 announced and confirmed acquisitions in the month, comparable to February's 16 deals but...

Although known as the entertainment mecca, Los Angeles as the second most populous city in the country offers capital that for many feels readily accessible. Being a part of a state that by itself...

Raymond James was again the most active monthly recruiter, ending May with 12 new advisor teams, while rival LPL remained plenty active, adding six teams with a combined $1.5B in client assets to its...

This brief is a compilation of the meeting notes of May 2025 from public pensions across the country. Access them all in one place, right when you need them.

If you're part of a business development or origination team in private credit, chances are you’ve got a CRM open right now. And chances are… it’s not doing exactly what you need it to. We get it....

Due diligence – the necessary evil of private fund investing. It’s the part of the job that makes you feel like both a detective and a librarian, digging through mountains of data, scheduling calls,...

Let’s face it: private fund research isn’t just about finding the data, it’s about organizing it. You’ve got notes from calls, insights from meetings, reports to run, and updates to track. Somehow,...

Do you feel like the world of perpetually offered funds is growing faster than you can track? Well, we’re here to tell you that you’re not imagining it. As we explored before, Evergreen Funds are...

You’ve done the work. You’ve nailed your city scheduling, sent out your carefully crafted cold outreach emails, and now you’re sitting in the city, ready for a full day of meetings. But there’s...

In March, Dakota tracked 17 RFPs launched by 15 distinct institutional investors, ranging across public equities, real assets, real estate, private credit, and fixed income manager searches, for...

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies (SBICCT) Initiative in 2023, a new program aimed...

In April, Dakota tracked over $14B across 162 investments from 48 distinct pension funds or entities disclosing their commitments. In this article, we highlight the top allocators and allocations...

The Dakota April Monthly Roundup offers data-driven insights on institutional capital allocation, fundraising trends, and strategic shifts across private markets.

For the second month in a row, Raymond James was the most active advisor recruiter, adding nine teams and more than $3.6B in client assets in April. While it may have unseated rival LPL of late in...

The windy city’s central location, eclectic economy, robust industrial base, proximity to prestigious universities, and reasonable cost of living make it a great place for business. Chicago is...

RIA M&A deal volume in April remained strong, with Dakota tracking 31 new transactions during the month, up from 28 in March and 16 in February, though it was a story of many smaller deals, with...

This brief is a compilation of the meeting notes of April 2025 from public pensions across the country. Access them all in one place, right when you need them.

Commonly described as the world’s automobile capital, Detroit offers more than just fancy cars. Its robust industrial base makes capital readily accessible for middle market firms. Detroit has seen...

Private market investing is expanding rapidly, offering new opportunities and potential for growth. However, accessing accurate, real-time information on private funds remains a significant...

Emerging managers often face the challenge of growing their businesses on limited budgets, and Dakota’s Emerging Manager Growth Show is designed specifically to help. Hosted by Dakota’s CEO and...

Boston is not only one of the most culturally significant cities in the country, but it plays a major role in shaping this country’s finance scene. Its proximity to some of the strongest universities...

If you’re a fundraiser raising capital across borders, one questions matters more than any other: Who should I be reaching out to today? Without a clean, up-to-date database of investor contacts,...

The Dakota Consumer Investing Report examines how shifting consumer behaviors, wellness trends, and technological innovation are fueling investment opportunities across beauty, pet care, food, and...

New York City’s status as the mecca for finance makes it a great environment for private equity firms and capital growth. Access to capital, strong talent pool, tight network, and robust investment...

In March, Dakota tracked over $21.9B across 182 investments from 48 distinct pension funds or entities disclosing their commitments. In this article, we highlight the top allocators and allocations...

The Dakota Q1 2025 Public Pension Allocations Report offers a data-rich analysis of institutional capital deployment, asset class trends, and themes driving allocation behavior, all to deliver...

Raymond James broke LPL's recent run, leading the way in independent advisor recruitment in March with the addition of nine teams bringing $2.8B in managed client assets. Taking a little bit of the...

Pittsburgh is a great place for capital growth. Its central location, technological infrastructure, robust universities, affordability, and popularity among big businesses helps it stand out. This...

March saw a welcome bounce-back in deal volume and AUM changing hands after a down February, though one blockbuster deal may have papered over the cracks a bit. Dakota tracked 28 RIA M&A-related deal...

If you’re in the business of fundraising, you already know that RIAs (Registered Investment Advisors) are one of the most important channels to tap into. With trillions of dollars in assets under...

The state of Ohio is booming. Its favorable tax and regulatory environment has made it a corporate relocation magnet and an amazing place to do business. Ohio’s reasonable cost of living is another...

The Dakota March Monthly Roundup offers data-driven insights on institutional capital allocation, fundraising trends, and strategic shifts across private markets.

In the investment world, time is everything. Whether you’re an emerging fund manager, institutional asset manager, or capital raiser, every second you spend chasing down emails, searching for...

This brief is a compilation of the meeting notes of March 2025 from public pensions across the country. Access them all in one place, right when you need them.

If you’re in investment sales, you already know that targeting Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) isn’t just about finding names—it’s about finding the right advisors at the right firms who are...

While many know Philadelphia is a city rich in culture, food, and sports, some may not appreciate the vibrant private equity scene it boasts. Its central location and eclectic economy make it an area...

February was a bit slower on the investment RFPs front following a busy start to the year, as Dakota tracked seven new searches with potential allocations exceeding $1.9B across both international...

The Emerging Buyout GPs to Watch in 2025 brings you a curated list of rising private equity firms recognized for strong performance, strategic focus, and early institutional traction—helping you stay...

In February, Dakota tracked over $14.1B across 148 investments from 45 distinct pension funds or entities disclosing their commitments. In this article, we highlight the top allocators and...

The Established Buyout GPs to Watch in 2025 brings you a curated list of established firms that have demonstrated consistency, strong returns, and institutional fund growth, so you can stay ahead of...

Baltimore is more than just a historic port city—it is also a growing hub for private equity (PE) investment. With its strategic location along the East Coast, a strong network of institutional...

Evergreen funds are making waves in the investment world, offering a flexible, long-term alternative to traditional private market funds. If you've ever been frustrated by the rigid timelines and...

As SuperReturn Private Credit Europe & SuperReturn Secondaries Europe 2025 concluded, key themes emerged that are reshaping the landscape of private markets. With institutional capital flows slowing...

Sure, performance metrics, fund size, and historical returns are essential. But if you’re making decisions based on numbers alone, you’re missing the bigger picture. Numbers tell you what happened....

Washington, D.C. is not just the political capital of the United States - it is also a key financial hub, particularly in the private equity (PE) space. The city’s strategic location, proximity to...

LPL again led the way in independent advisor recruiting volume in February, adding six teams managing a combined $4B in client assets, roughly equal to its January haul of seven teams managing $4.1B....

In the month of February, Dakota tracked approximately $27B in fresh fundraising targeted for private equity – inclusive of buyouts, growth equity, and venture capital – and roughly $12B in new...

The Dakota February Monthly Roundup offers data-driven insights on institutional capital allocation, fundraising trends, and strategic shifts across private markets.

This eBook takes you on a global tour of fundraising opportunities across eight major regions: the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Nordic Region, Latin America, Canada, and...

This brief is a compilation of the meeting notes of February 2025 from public pensions across the country. Access them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of the meeting notes of January 2025 from public pensions across the country. Access them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of December's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of November's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

In this eBook, you'll find the comprehensive guide to planning, hosting, and maximizing the impact of your client communication through utilizing a quarterly update webinar.

This brief is a compilation of October's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This report gives a detailed overview of 2024's third quarter alternative public pensions, detailing $37.5 billion in pension fund allocations across various alternative investments like private...

This brief is a compilation of September's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

Discover the top Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in key U.S. metro areas with Dakota’s exclusive eBook. Get insights on leading firms and their AUM to help you target the right RIAs in the most...

This guide provides investment professionals with key strategies and actionable insights for successfully raising capital in the growing RIA market. Covering everything from identifying the right...

This brief is a compilation of August's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of July's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This report gives a detailed overview of 2024's third quarter alternative public pensions, including trends and comparisons to prior years. Inside, you'll find a breakdown of the top asset class...

This brief is a compilation of June's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of May's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of April's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This report gives a detailed overview of 2024's first quarter alternative public pensions, including trends and comparisons to prior years. Inside, you'll find a breakdown of the top asset class...

This brief is a compilation of March's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of February's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

The Dakota 2023 Annual Fundraising Report offers an overview of trends in pension fund allocations within the U.S. during 2023, highlighting significant shifts in investment strategies across various...

This report gives a detailed overview of 2023's fourth quarter alternative public pensions, including trends and comparisons to prior years. Inside, you'll find a breakdown of the top asset class...

This brief is a compilation of January's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

In this eBook, you'll find the knowledge on why your CRM is your most underutilized asset and how to fix this. Topics included in this guide are: What is a CRM? Why is your CRM holding you back? How...

In this eBook, you'll find the knowledge on why having clean and accurate data is of the utmost importance for your institutional investor database Topics included in this guide are: The importance...

This brief is a compilation of December's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of November's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of October's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This report gives a detailed overview of 2023's third quarter alternative public pensions, including trends and comparisons to prior years. Inside, you'll find a breakdown of the top asset class...

This brief is a compilation of September's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of August's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This brief is a compilation of July's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This report gives a detailed overview of 2023's second quarter alternative public pensions, including trends and comparisons to prior years. Inside, you'll find a breakdown of the top asset class...

This brief is a compilation of June's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

Gildas Quinquis, Chief Investment Officer for the Boston-based Windrose Advisors, takes us through his nearly thirty-year career in investment management, describing how he approaches the current...

In this special edition episode, Adam takes the Dakota Live! team through Cerity's approach to risk management, the firm’s manager research and underwriting process, and what a potential client...

William Yung, Partner and Director of Private Markets at Angeles Investments, takes us on his career journey from wealth management to investment manager research for one of the financial industry’s...

Laura Esposito of Rockefeller Capital Management shares her nearly twenty-five years of client service and sales experience in this informative discussion on how she has navigated her successful...

Angela Miller-May, Chief Investment Officer for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund joins us at Dakota Live! for a special discussion on how she found her start in the investment management...

Joe Marenda, Partner, and Head of Digital Assets Investing with Cambridge Associates shares his experience through this masterclass on blockchain technology and digital assets investing.

Greg Leonberger is the Director of Research for Marquette Associates. Greg is responsible for creating the firm’s capital markets research and directing the investment strategies and policy.

This eBook is a compilation of May's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

Kate Pizzi, Partner and Senior Consultant of Fiducient Advisors joins us at Dakota Live! to take us through her experience from actuary to portfolio manager to investment consultant and what she has...

Chenae Edwards, Partner with NEPC, LLC shares her investment consulting experience as she discusses the NEPC manager research process, how clients are maneuvering through the current market...

Andy Spellar, Chief Investment Officer for the Fairfax County Employees' Retirement System shares his journey over his two decades for the $5.0 billion Plan located in the suburbs of Washington, DC.

Ernst Knacke, Head of Research at London-based, Shard Capital Partners as well as its subsidiary, LeifBridge Investment Management joins the Dakota Live! Podcast to share his nearly twenty years of...

Chris Brockmeyer is the Director of Employee Benefit Funds for the Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway theatre industry.

This eBook is a compilation of April's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

John Tassone is the Director of Investments for Forbes Family Trust. Forbes Family Trust is a multi-family office serving institutions and single-family offices as an outsourced investment advisor.

Doug MacBean, Deputy Chief Investment Officer of the California Institute of Technology’s Investment Office (Caltech) joins us at Dakota Live! to share the ingredients from his career and how he...

This report gives a detailed overview of the first quarter, 2023 alternative public pensions, including trends and comparisons to prior years. Inside, you'll find a breakdown of the top asset class...

Razmig Der-Tavitian, Chief Investment Officer with SLK Private Wealth joins us at Dakota Live! to share his experience as CIO of an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).

Ryan Hicke, Chief Executive Officer of SEI joins us at Dakota Live! to share his journey from intern to the company's CEO.

Jennifer DeSisto, Chief Investment Officer of Anchor Capital Advisors joins us at Dakota Live! to take us through her experience from portfolio manager to asset allocator and what she has learned...

This eBook is a compilation of March's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

Chris Winiarz, Chief Investment Officer of Stable Asset Management shares his journey from the endowment to the family office model through his role today as CIO of an investment firm focused on...

William “Bill” Kennedy is the CEO and Chief Investment Officer of RiskBridge Advisors, where the firm serves as an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) firm providing discretionary investment...

An exclusive interview with Andrew Krei from Dakota Live! Call #123

Will Beck of Wilshire is a Senior Vice President and member of Wilshire’s Traditional Manager Research Group where he focuses on fixed income strategies.

Aoifinn Devitt, Chief Investment Officer at Moneta, and founder and creator of The Fiftyfaces Podcast takes us on her career marathon from corporate law to being named the first female Chief...

This eBook is a compilation of February's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

Mark Steed, Chief Investment Officer for the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System shares his journey from an intern to the Plan’s CIO.

Carolyn Patton, Head of Private Market Client Solutions at TIFF Investment Management shares how their business approaches private market assets on behalf of their clients.

York Lo is the Head of Alternative Product and LLCs at John Hancock Investment Management where he has been a key member of the team responsible for manager selection and oversight, product...

An exclusive interview with Matthew Ruffalo from Dakota Live! Call #121.

This eBook is a compilation of January's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This report gives a detailed overview of the fourth quarter, 2022 alternative public pensions, including trends and comparisons to priors years. Inside, you'll find a breakdown of the top asset class...

Matt DeAngelo, Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Drexel University’s Endowment shares how he and his colleagues evaluate asset managers, approach due diligence meetings, and consider allocation...

Greg Stumm of Resolute Investment Managers shares his perspective on the firm’s investment process in the context of its multi-affiliate model. Greg guides our listeners through the sub-advisory...

This eBook is a compilation of December's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

Russ Kamp of Ryan ALM shares his more than forty years of investment advisory experience with US plan sponsors as he discusses the current pension landscape and how to position your investment...

Alyssa Stankiewicz of Morningstar shares her insights into the firm's manager research process and the key pillars of the Morningstar analyst rating.

This eBook is a compilation of November's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

Alan Spatrick shares his forty-two years of investment consulting experience as he discusses the Meketa manager research process, the changes he's seen in the consultant space over the decades, and...

An exclusive interview with Greg Dowling from Dakota Live! For Alternatives #58.

The third episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast features special guest Aldo Vultaggio, as he shares his manager research process, approach to sourcing alternative investments, current investment...

An exclusive interview with Lawrence Calcano from Dakota Live! Call #118.

This eBook is a compilation of October's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

The second episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast features special guest Zlata Gleason, as she discusses her approach to selling equity strategies in the context of the sales process she's developed...

An exclusive interview with John Tassone from Dakota Live! Call #117.

The first episode of the Dakota Live! Podcast features special guest Floyd Simpson, as he discusses how he evaluates asset managers, approaches due diligence meetings, considers asset allocation...

An exclusive interview with William Kennedy from Dakota Live! Call #116.

This report gives a detailed overview of the third quarter, 2022 alternative public pensions, including trends and comparisons to priors years. Inside, you'll find a breakdown of the top asset class...

An exclusive interview with Matt Brundage from Dakota Live! Call #115.

An exclusive interview with Brad Long from Dakota Live! Call #113.

An exclusive interview with Ted Seides from Dakota Live! Call #114.

This eBook is a compilation of September's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This eBook is a compilation of August's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This eBook is a compilation of July's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

This eBook is a compilation of June's meeting notes from public pensions across the country, so you have them all in one place, right when you need them.

Dakota has tracked and recorded fees paid data from over 954 reported fees from across all major asset and sub asset classes from 38 individual pension plans. For the first half of 2022, these were...

In this eBook, you'll find the comprehensive steps you'll need to take to plan, host, and follow-up after a quarterly update webinar. The topics in this guide include: Scheduling Creating a Zoom...

In this eBook, Gui Costin, author of Millennials Are Not Aliens, will discuss RIAs, including how to break into the channel and and some best practices. The second half of the eBook covers one of the...

This report gives a detailed overview of the second quarter, 2022 alternative public pensions, including trends and comparisons to priors years. Inside, you'll find a breakdown of the top asset class...

The number one piece of sales advice is "always be selling" but is that really true in investment sales? In this video, Dakota CEO Gui Costin dives into the truth behind "always be selling."

This eBook is a compilation of the top 10 RIAs in 10 cities across the Unites States. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but an overview of ten cities we think you'll find beneficial.