Nalin Patel

Lead Analyst of EMEA

Pitchbook

Fintech, Banking & Crypto

About Me

Nalin Patel is Director of Research, EMEA Private Capital at PitchBook, where he oversees a team of analysts covering private markets in the EMEA region. Prior to joining PitchBook, Patel was an analyst at Goldman Sachs in London, conducting due diligence for investment banking transactions. Patel’s coverage included the Merchant Banking Division and European Special Situations Group, where he focused on private equity, venture capital and debt transactions, as well as investments in startups, real estate, technology and growth capital. Patel received a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Bristol. He is based in PitchBook’s London office.

Hear My Insights

Exit Backlog: What Alternatives To The Traffic Jams?

2024 was a slow year for startup exits, with the backlog of companies awaiting an exit surging to over 55,000, according to PitchBook—a record high. While smaller startup exits continued at a steady pace, the absence of IPOs created a bottleneck, slowing down both late-stage companies and the broader VC market. This stagnation has forced mature startups to explore alternative exit strategies, including secondaries, M&As, or extended private market stays, while in Europe, many startups are looking across the Atlantic for IPOs or acquisition opportunities. Some anticipate a return to normalcy in 2025, with a wave of unicorn IPOs. However, the geopolitical climate could disrupt these expectations, reshuffling the exit landscape. This session will explore how seasoned VCs in the US, China, and Europe are navigating the backlog and what alternative exit strategies are emerging.

I Want You: Solving the Tech Talent Paradox Title to be reworked?

It's like watching the industry pump the brakes and floor the accelerator at the same time. In the tech world many companies are downsizing. Those same companies, and many more, have also entered a fierce race to snag top talent in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence. In this complex landscape, how can professionals position themselves to be the talent that tech companies are vying for? How is AI transforming the job market and the skills required? And how will this paradox impact innovation in the long term?