As the year winds down, we’d like to take a breath and look ahead with curiosity. Not with strict forecasts, but with an open mind and a willingness to test some new ideas. That’s why we’re launching our first-ever 2026 Prediction Week. It’s a simple way to invite fresh thinking, compare notes across our network, and set the stage for a stronger start to the new year.

Before we share a few ideas, here is our favorite ‘stat’ of 2025:

Many of our investor conversations this year all circled back to one key question: “What will the next cycle look like?”

That question shows a clear shift. People are not waiting for certainty. They are actively searching for it and want to understand the next phase rather than react to it after it is underway.

CF Capital’s early view on 2026

These are not hard calls. They are signals we are watching as we build our plans for the coming year.

1. Capital efficiency becomes the new advantage.
Teams that manage capital with precision create meaningful separation from those who rely on older playbooks. Strong data, thoughtful structure, and quicker decision loops will matter even more as we move into 2026.

2. Real value outperforms noise.
The market continues to reward operators and investors who stay close to fundamentals. Clear cash flow stories and proven operational discipline rise above short-term swings and crowded narratives.

3. Partnerships drive momentum.
This year showed how much faster high-quality deals move when trusted partners are aligned. In 2026, we expect collaboration to remain a major accelerant, especially in complex or time sensitive opportunities.

Your turn

Prediction Week works best when more voices are in the mix.

-What trends are you watching as we head into 2026?
-Where do you see opportunity forming?
-What quote, stat, or insight shaped your thinking this year?

Share a thought with us on CF’s LinkedIn page (here). We will highlight a few responses and revisit them in early January.

Let’s close out the year with curiosity, focus, and a clear sense of direction.