Survey: General Partners Plan New Funds, Tech, and Hires Despite Persistent Fundraising Headwinds

New Primary Research from Dynamo Software Shows GPs Plan to Spend More on AI and Hire More Staff; 73% Expect to Launch New Funds

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dynamo Software, a leading provider of AI-powered technology for alternative investments, today released the findings of its fourth annual survey of global General Partners (GPs). Responses from private equity, hedge fund and venture capital firms reveal an industry continuing to invest in growth despite persistent market headwinds expressed during the past four years of the survey.

Drawing on survey responses gathered in March and April 2026, the fourth edition of the Dynamo Frontline Insight Report: Trends, Challenges, and Insights from Global General Partners captures a near real-time view of GP sentiment as firms aggressively pursue value creation and adapt to the structural shifts of recent years.

GPs planning the next stage of growth

For the fourth year running, the global GPs surveyed by Dynamo say fundraising remains their top challenge. Tighter allocation strategies have made securing commitments from LPs the most significant challenge, cited by 71% of respondents. That’s up sharply from 50% in 2025.

Even so, the outlook among respondents is far from pessimistic. Nearly 7 in 10 anticipate their fundraising activity will either stay the same (33%) or ramp up (37%) over the next 12 months.

Another clear sign of confidence is respondents' appetite for new investment vehicles. About three-quarters (73%) plan to raise a new fund within the next year.

Direct investing emerged as a primary channel for growth. Fifty-six percent of firms expect those allocations to increase, a five-point jump from 2025's survey results. The trend may reflect growing LP demand for the strategy. Dynamo’s Q3 2025 survey of LPs found a strong year-over-year increase in direct investment plans.

AI spending ramps up, yet hiring continues

The GP growth mindset appears to extend beyond fundraising to both technology and talent investments.

“Leveraging AI-powered tools to enhance decision-making” ranked as respondents' top strategic priority for the coming year, beating out both “better management of investment structures/investor terms” and “maximizing value of the portfolio.”

Yet firms are not pursuing technology at the expense of people. Even as 8 in 10 (78%) expect to increase technology spending (with AI integration leading the way as a top priority), more than half (54%) plan to increase headcount.

“At first glance, it may seem surprising that firms investing heavily in AI continue to hire. But on closer inspection, it makes good sense for the ALTs industry," said Hank Boughner, CEO of Dynamo Software. “The survey data suggests GPs see AI and automation as a way to amplify people expertise. That's a crucial distinction in an industry where advantages are built through human judgment and trusted relationships.”

GPs adapt technology strategies for LP expectations

GP expectations for their technology investments are centered on growth enablement, with a particular emphasis on meeting evolving investor expectations. Firms appear to be deploying both technology and talent toward identifying opportunities, strengthening partnerships and attracting capital.

For the second consecutive year, deal sourcing and relationship tracking was ranked as the top technology focus. Fundraising and marketing automation moved into the second position, edging out data security and privacy, which remained a top-three priority for GPs.

"One common thread we see across this year’s GP survey findings is a fervent willingness to adapt," said Boughner. "Investors are seeking more tailored investment opportunities, and GPs are trending toward specialized approaches and savvy technology choices that cater to evolving LP expectations."

Additional General Partner trends available in report

The full Frontline Insight report includes a multitude of survey findings from global General Partners. Charts and graphs for each of the report’s findings are available by contacting [e-mail].

About Dynamo’s Frontline Insight Reports

Published quarterly, Dynamo’s Frontline Insight Reports contain primary research obtained through online surveys of targeted alternative investor audiences. The survey results are contextualized by Dynamo subject matter experts in formal Frontline research reports. To date, Dynamo’s research team has focused on delivering noteworthy insights related to the attitudes, predictions, and strategic plans that Limited Partners (LPs), General Partners (GPs), Hedge Funds, Emerging Managers, and Fund Accountants have on a number of alternative investment topics. To learn more about Dynamo’s research reports, visit the Resource Library or contact [e-mail].

About Dynamo Software, Inc.

Dynamo Software is the leading end-to-end, AI-powered platform for alternative investment management, designed to centralize, streamline, and automate front-to-back-office investment operations for both General and Limited Partners. Trusted by over 1,000 global clients managing more than $10T in AUM, Dynamo supports the full investment lifecycle, including deal management, investor relations, portfolio monitoring, fund accounting, research, and portfolio management—all within a single, secure platform. With DynamoAI at its core, the platform empowers private equity, venture capital, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, and fund of funds teams to operate more efficiently, gain deeper insights into investments and relationships, and make faster, more confident decisions at every stage of the investment process. Dynamo has a global footprint with operations across North America, EMEA, APAC, and UAE. For more information, please visit DynamoSoftware.com.