Forge Investment Outlook Q3 2025
As fintech accelerates and AI remains steadfast, will tariffs cause mayhem once again?
Signs of private market resurgence gained momentum in Q2 2025, led by a reinvigorated fintech sector, sustained artificial intelligence (AI) fervor and a flurry of IPO activity not seen in over two years.1 While broader macroeconomic conditions may be impacted by shifting geopolitical dynamics—particularly the looming tariff decisions expected this quarter2—investor sentiment appears increasingly positive, especially in high-growth sectors that demonstrate early commercialization and strong exit potential.
Key Takeaways
Fintech’s resurgence is real and accelerating - after a multi-year downturn, fintech is experiencing renewed investor interest.
AI’s momentum continued, while Meta switched focus from the metaverse to AI - AI remains one of the most dominant themes in the private market.
The IPO market has entered a new phase of reactivation - Multiple successful IPOs in recent weeks have signaled that the long-frozen exit window may finally be gaining steam.
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Three Key Takeaways from Q2 20258
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Market Performance 12
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Primary Market Activity19
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Secondary Market Activity 25
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Mutual Fund Marks 32
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Exit Activity 35

Andrew Alden, CFA, serves as Vice President of Quantitative Research at Forge Global, where he leads a research team focused on the private market. Prior to this role, Andrew launched Semantiqa, an investment management firm, which focused on the public-market growth equities space.

Shane Larkin is an investment professional with experience across private and public markets. He brings an analytical mindset shaped by his engineering and business background, with expertise in due diligence, financial modeling, and market research. He holds an MBA from Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Louis is a Senior Data Analyst at Forge Global, focusing on valuations and private market trends. Before joining Forge, Louis worked in corporate finance at Initiative Media and was a startup founder.

Arjun Patel is the Senior Director of Strategy & Implementation where he helps connect data, strategy, and market insights to support the firm’s private market research efforts. His work spans product, research, and operations, focused on turning insights into clear, actionable narratives for investors navigating the private market.
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