Thoma Bravo’s Holden Spaht, Anastasia Titarchuk of New York State’s Common Retirement Fund, 26North’s Josh Harris Speak at PEI Group’s Nexus Summit

Why It Matters

The summit underscores expanding collaboration between private‑equity firms and large public pension funds, shaping future investment trends.

Key Takeaways

• Thoma Bravo showcases its portfolio growth strategies.
• NY Common Retirement Fund seeks private‑equity partnerships.
• 26North focuses on emerging‑market opportunities.
• NEXUS attracts over 200 institutional investors.
• Summit sets agenda for 2026 private‑equity deals.

Pulse Analysis

The PEI Group’s NEXUS 2026 summit has quickly become a focal point for the private‑equity ecosystem, offering a platform where dealmakers, capital allocators, and thought leaders converge. By positioning itself as a bridge between private‑equity sponsors and institutional capital, the conference reflects a broader industry shift toward more transparent, data‑driven investment dialogues. Attendees benefit from curated panels, networking sessions, and forward‑looking research that together map the evolving landscape of deal sourcing and fund formation.

A standout feature of the inaugural day was the participation of Holden Spaht from Thoma Bravo, Anastasia Titarchuk representing New York State’s Common Retirement Fund, and Josh Harris of 26North. Their combined perspectives highlighted three core themes: the pursuit of high‑growth technology assets, the strategic role of public pension money in private‑equity allocations, and the untapped potential of emerging‑market opportunities. Spaht emphasized Thoma Bravo’s disciplined acquisition model, while Titarchuk outlined the fund’s criteria for partnering with managers that demonstrate strong ESG and risk‑adjusted returns. Harris added a global dimension, urging investors to consider diversification beyond traditional North American markets.

The implications of these discussions extend beyond the summit floor. As pension funds like the Common Retirement Fund increase their exposure to private equity, managers must adapt to heightened scrutiny around fee structures, performance transparency, and sustainability metrics. Meanwhile, the growing appetite for emerging‑market deals signals a rebalancing of capital flows that could reshape deal pipelines over the next few years. For industry professionals, NEXUS provides actionable insights into where capital is moving, which strategies are gaining favor, and how to position portfolios for the next wave of private‑equity growth.