MMK PE / VC Pulse Survey: Early Signals Show Pay Momentum Continues

The 2026 MMK Pulse Survey has now concluded. Thank you to all participating firms. Participants will receive a complimentary Pulse Report. The report will provide a concise view of emerging compensation trends.

Early findings suggest remuneration momentum remains strong. Salaries continue to rise across private capital markets. Bonus outcomes also appear resilient. Firms continue to use variable pay to retain and reward talent.

What are the Early Trends?

Initial responses indicate that compensation pressure remains elevated. Base salaries continue to increase across many private equity, venture capital and infrastructure managers. Bonus levels also remain robust. Firms are balancing performance recognition with talent retention priorities.

Competition for experienced investment professionals continues to shape pay decisions. Market conditions remain uncertain. However, firms still appear willing to invest in remuneration to secure key talent.

What Does This Mean for Firms?

Compensation remains a critical lever for attracting and retaining talent. Firms cannot rely solely on market reputation or investment performance.

Pay structures must remain competitive and aligned with business priorities. A clear remuneration strategy helps firms support retention, engagement and long-term growth.

Benchmarking against peers is increasingly important. Market positioning can shift quickly.

What Comes Next?

Next month, MMK will launch its main Private Equity and Venture Capital Compensation Survey.

This flagship survey provides a deeper analysis of remuneration across private capital. The survey examines both pay levels and remuneration design. It analyses compensation data across 53 different positions.

The survey also covers a broad mix of investment strategies and fund models. Coverage spans private equity, venture capital, infrastructure, growth equity, fund of funds, infrastructure and real estate. Firms are classified by both investment strategy and fund size.

Coverage includes:

• Base salary structures
• Annual bonus design
• Carried interest participation
• GP commitment arrangements
• Co-investment frameworks
• Employee benefits and wider reward programmes.

The survey provides detailed insight into how firms structure reward across different roles and seniority levels. It also explores how remuneration frameworks evolve alongside market expectations.

Why Participate in the Main Survey?

Participation provides access to comprehensive benchmarking. Participating firms will gain insights into current compensation practices across the private capital industry.

The survey supports informed remuneration decisions. It also helps firms assess whether their reward structures remain competitive.

Participants contribute to a stronger dataset. This improves the quality and depth of market analysis.

How Can You Get Involved?

If your firm operates within private equity, venture capital or infrastructure, participation may be highly relevant.

You can take part in the main Compensation Survey to benchmark your remuneration strategy.

Do register your interest to receive further details at the time of launch.

For further information or to participate, please contact Margarita Skripina margarita.skripina@mm-k.com.

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