The debate over “Foundation Models vs. Application Layer” just got a massive data point for the Apps side. Higgsfield, the San Francisco-based AI video startup, has raised $80 million (Series A extension) at a $1.3 billion valuation. The round included Accel, Menlo Ventures, and GFT Ventures. 🚀 THE “CRAZY” GROWTH STATS: This isn’t just hype;...
The era of the “diversified basket of 50 managers” is fading. The era of the “high-conviction partnership” is here. According to a new Bank of America survey of 280 asset allocators, 2026 will be defined by capital flowing into fewer, larger hands—specifically the biggest multi-strategy pods. 📉 FEWER FUNDS, BIGGER CHECKS: The data reveals a...
The cracks in the $3 trillion private credit market are officially widening. According to a new report from MSCI, the era of “higher for longer” rates is finally taking its toll on borrower resilience, leading to a sharp spike in portfolio distress. 📉 THE DATA OF DISTRESS: ⚠️ “CIRCLING THE DRAIN”: MSCI’s report uses stark...
The “All-In on America” trade is showing cracks. Ashmore Group, the specialist Emerging Markets asset manager, reported a standout quarter with $2.6 billion in net inflows and $1.2 billion in positive investment performance, signaling a tangible shift in allocator sentiment. 📊 THE NUMBERS (Q2 ended Dec 31, 2025): ⚠️ THE US CONCENTRATION RISK: Ashmore didn’t...
The “Golden Age of Private Credit” is officially going global. KKR announced today the final close of its second Asia-focused credit vehicle, securing $2.5 billion in total commitments. This makes it the largest pan-regional fund dedicated to performing private credit in Asia-Pacific history. 💰 THE FUNDRAISE BREAKDOWN: 🎯 THE STRATEGY: Unlike distressed funds that hunt...
While European asset managers struggle to defend market share against US giants, Italy’s listed players are posting record numbers. Italy’s top five listed asset gatherers reported combined net inflows of €68 billion ($79 billion) for 2025, a stunning 46.8% increase year-over-year. 🚀 THE DECEMBER SPIKE: December was an outlier month, with inflows hitting €18.2 billion...