Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: September 25, 2026, 6:01 AM ET

Private Equity

Lightspeed targets $250M for a new India-focused fund targeting early-stage AI startups, aligning its fundraising with global cycles. The firm aims to capitalize on rising demand for AI infrastructure and talent in emerging markets, where early-stage valuations remain attractive relative to the U.S. and Europe. This move reflects broader LP interest in geographic diversification and thematic exposure to AI-driven growth outside traditional tech hubs.

Early-Stage Investing

Europe’s leading pre-seed investors highlighted in Sifted’s 2026 guide are increasing capital deployment despite macro uncertainty, with average check sizes rising 18% YoY. Top performers are prioritizing deep-tech and climate solutions, leveraging government co-investment schemes to mitigate risk. The guide notes a shift toward sector-specialized funds, particularly in spacetech and industrial decarbonization, where long development cycles require patient capital.

Startup Ecosystem

The fastest-growing spacetech startup teams in Europe are expanding headcount by over 40% in the past six months, driven by demand for satellite data analytics and launch services. Hiring surges are concentrated in Germany, France, and the UK, where public-private partnerships are fueling innovation in Earth observation and in-orbit manufacturing. Meanwhile, Sifted Summit returns to London next week, featuring panels on LP trends, secondary markets, and the evolving role of corporate venture in early-stage funding.