Private Equity 8-Hour Briefing

Last updated: March 16, 2026, 4:30 AM ET

Private Equity & Venture Capital Activity

The secondary market for private equity stakes is gaining traction as institutional investors prioritize stable distributions over aggressive growth, with senior figures from Step Stone Group and Dawson Partners noting increased deal flow in recent discussions. This search for lower-volatility assets contrasts with the intense competition observed in early-stage technology funding, where Sequoia and General Catalyst selected 20 startups for a new accelerator, signaling continued high-conviction bets on foundational AI technology alongside OpenAI and Mistral. Meanwhile, the ongoing pressure felt by European dealmakers, particularly those based in London, is reportedly causing stress, with one report detailing how the current environment is spiking cortisol levels among managers navigating capital deployment constraints. The focus on AI remains strong, as data suggests Venture Capital firms were exceptionally active in the sector throughout 2025, deploying substantial capital into next-generation enterprise solutions.