In a deal environment marked by more competition, longer hold periods, and rising expectations from LPs, business development can no longer run on relationships and intuition alone.

Private equity firms are increasingly turning to data-driven strategies to improve sourcing efficiency and sharpen their competitive edge—but success depends on more than just collecting data. It’s about knowing which metrics matter and using them to inform high-impact decisions.

As private equity firms recalibrate sourcing strategies for 2025, the middle market stands out as a sector of renewed interest and untapped opportunity. Often overlooked in favor of larger transactions, middle-market assets are proving to be not only more resilient but also highly actionable for firms seeking scalable growth with manageable risk.