In recent years, one of the biggest shifts in private equity has been the changing pace of exits. Assets are being held for longer, and distributions – the cash returns investors look forward to – are taking more time to arrive. For wealthy investors, that has important implications for liquidity, portfolio balance, and return expectations.
At Jura Capital, we spend a lot of time thinking about exit timing – not only because it drives returns, but because it shapes how investors experience private markets overall.
The Exit Backlog: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
Private equity managers typically aim to exit portfolio companies within three to five years. But in the last few years, that timeline has stretched. Tougher financing conditions, slower dealmaking, and valuation uncertainty have made it harder for funds to sell assets at the prices they want.
As a result, there’s a growing “exit backlog” – funds holding onto mature companies longer than expected. For investors, that means slower distributions, less liquidity, and sometimes, delayed performance metrics.
Realising Returns vs. Staying Invested
For wealthy individuals, this environment raises a practical question: should you stay the course, or look for earlier liquidity?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a few considerations stand out:
- Liquidity needs: If you rely on distributions for portfolio cash flow or new allocations, slower exits can tighten flexibility.
- Tax and timing: Deferring exits can be tax-efficient in some structures, but may also push capital gains into less convenient periods.
- Reinvestment opportunity cost: Staying invested longer can limit the ability to capture new deals or rebalance toward better-performing sectors.
The key is understanding why an investment’s exit is delayed – and whether it’s for strategic reasons or simply market conditions.
Continuation Funds, Recapitalisations, and Secondaries: The New Exit Landscape
To manage longer holds, private equity firms have created new tools to offer liquidity and extend ownership:
- Continuation funds: allow managers to sell an asset from one fund to another they control, giving existing investors the option to roll forward or cash out.
- Recapitalisations: involve refinancing a portfolio company to return some capital to investors while keeping exposure to future growth.
- Secondaries: provide an external market where investors can sell fund interests before the final exit.
Each of these options has its own risk/return trade-offs. Continuation funds can align incentives if handled well, but they also require confidence in the manager’s pricing. Secondaries can offer liquidity – often at a discount — but may still be a valuable portfolio management tool.
How Jura Capital Approaches Exit Strategy
At Jura Capital, we focus on partnering with companies who have clear visibility on exit pathways. When we raise capital, we look for companies already in exit discussions or whose portfolios are reaching maturity – typically targeting a three- to five-year exit horizon.
That approach helps reduce uncertainty for our investors and aligns with our broader philosophy: private equity returns should be attractive, but timing risk must be managed.
Practical Steps for Investors
Even in a slower exit environment, wealthy investors can take proactive steps to stay in control:
- Review liquidity planning regularly. Understand when distributions are expected and align them with broader financial needs.
- Diversify by vintage year. Investing across multiple fund years smooths out exit cycles and helps maintain liquidity.
- Evaluate secondary market options. If liquidity becomes a priority, explore selling older fund interests strategically.
- Assess portfolio fit. Make sure private equity holdings still match your risk tolerance, time horizon, and overall objectives.
Final Thoughts
Private equity remains one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth – but timing matters. As exit horizons lengthen, the difference between a good and great outcome often comes down to understanding where each investment sits in its lifecycle.
At Jura Capital, we believe in proactive monitoring, disciplined selection, and transparent communication – helping our investors navigate changing markets without losing sight of their long-term goals.
