Why Are Public Companies Shrinking? Inside Private Equity, LBOs, the J-Curve, and the Shift Beyond 60/40
In this deep dive, we explore a structural shift in global capital markets: In 1996, there were over 8,000 publicly traded companies in the U.S. Today, that number is under 4,300. Meanwhile, 87% of U.S. companies generating over $100 million in revenue are privately held. If you are investing only in public markets, you may be ignoring the majority of the mid-to-large-cap economy. This episode breaks down the mechanics, risks, and strategic implications of private markets — from venture capital to leveraged buyouts and private credit.
