Sector Investment 3 Days

Last updated: April 16, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Real Estate Fundraising & M&A

The private real estate fundraising environment is shifting away from the dominance of mega-managers, as the notable absence of firms like Blackstone and Brookfield creates opportunities for smaller funds to secure capital with shorter deployment times. This structural change is occurring alongside notable deal activity, including Ares' ongoing privatization of Whitestone, marking the firm’s second REIT take-private this year, alongside a La Caisse-Prologis joint venture and Federated Hermes expanding its U.S. footprint. Concurrently, asset managers are adjusting strategies in specific regions; CBRE Investment Management is actively targeting growth in European value-add strategies by resurrecting its Europe Value Partners series, appointing former Hines executive Paul White to lead the mandate, although White himself is departing Hines after 18 years.

Infrastructure Investment & Risk

The broader infrastructure fundraising market recorded its second-lowest total in six years during the first quarter, raising only $26.4 billion across unlisted, closed-end structures, though expectations remain that the final figures will improve as several large-cap funds are slated to close later this year. Despite the slowdown, key executives remain cautious regarding specific high-growth sectors; I Squared founder Sadek Wahba expressed apprehension over the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom, arguing that investors are currently "sleepwalking" regarding escalating geopolitical risks, particularly those stemming from the Iran conflict. Compounding the sector’s complexity, specialized segments like nuclear power require contractors to navigate a unique legal framework distinct from conventional construction, according to legal experts from Haynes Boone.

Sector Capital Deployment & Expansion

Firms specializing in infrastructure are actively recruiting experienced talent to spearhead growth initiatives across key geographic areas. Former Argo Managing Director Aaron Gold has joined CAI as President in a newly created role based in New York, tasked with driving the firm’s expansion onto the U.S. East Coast alongside founder Bill Green. This talent movement occurs as the industry seeks deeper analytical capabilities; the acquisition of Scientific Infra & Private Assets (SIPA) by the parent company of Infrastructure Investor aims to enhance quantitative research depth across the private equity infrastructure coverage space for the publication.