Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: March 25, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Investment Strategy

Venture capital firms are continuing aggressive fundraising efforts, with Kleiner Perkins securing $3.5 billion across new funds dedicated to artificial intelligence, including $1 billion earmarked for early-stage ventures and $2.5 billion for growth investments. This contrasts with the ongoing challenges in the secondaries market, where half of General Partners report their AI initiatives falling short, prompting some firms like New Mountain Atlas to leverage sector expertise to lead or co-lead buyout deals, bypassing traditional process reliance. Meanwhile, diverse capital sources are emerging, as BKR Capital advanced its Fund II toward a $50 million target, having already secured $20 million Canadian, while BRK Capital also moved closer to its $50 million goal for its Black founder-focused vehicle.

Deal Activity Across Sectors

Private equity deal flow remains active across specialized verticals, demonstrated by Advent agreeing to acquire a majority stake in premium beauty brand Salt & Stone for $165 million, signaling expansion in high-growth consumer segments. In the technology space, the GPI-backed intelligent healthcare operating system Hopper OS acquired Efferent, bolstering its capabilities across the care continuum, while in the infrastructure sector, Generate Capital divested greenhouse operator Equinox Growers to Taylor Farms, supporting regional food supply chains. Elsewhere, Main Post invested in pretzel manufacturer Stellar Snacks, which boasts extensive distribution across major U.S. retailers like Costco and Kroger, and Goldner Hawn acquired Lone Star Environmental Companies operating in the Houston and San Antonio markets.

Technology, Defense, and Digital Infrastructure

Large-scale growth equity investments are targeting mobility and digital services, exemplified by TPG and Allianz X leading a $350 million infusion into Cambridge Mobile Telematics, with participation from State Farm. In enterprise software, Main Capital invested in Gingco Systems, a provider of modular resource management software, and TSCP backed government technology firm Karpel, which services public defender and prosecutor offices. On the defense technology front, firms are closely examining the potential for revitalization, as Ukrainian technology capabilities are being assessed for European defense needs, while specialist firms like Blue Fire Equity continue to focus on government technology platforms following its recent acquisition of Jovian Concepts.

European Activity and Exits

European activity shows a mix of platform acquisitions and strategic exits, including Altor agreeing to purchase electrical installation provider Eltera from Valedo, following the Competition and Markets Authority finalizing reforms for the UK pet care industry that impact private equity ownership in that sector. Furthermore, Advent executed a partial exit from online review platform Trustpilot, selling a stake valued at £46 million as the stock price faced downward pressure post-sale. Concurrently, large-cap firms are testing the markets, as CVC and Silver Lake commenced investor outreach for a potential $6.7 billion IPO of RAC. In real estate, Blackstone is marketing a portfolio of Parisian apartments for disposal, aiming to offload approximately €100 million following a larger €700 million acquisition in the city.

Sector-Specific Investments and Talent Moves

Specific play in recruitment and specialized technology continues, with Southfield investing in Metric Search, a firm serving the medtech, life sciences, and data center sectors. In education technology, Princeton Equity Group backed children’s education provider KidStrong, which has rapidly expanded to 184 franchised centers supporting over 85,000 members. Across the continent, the talent gap remains a concern, with data suggesting that European firms risk missing growth opportunities if role fulfillment targets are unmet. In organizational updates, O2 appointed Rob Hays as its new Head of Investor Relations, transitioning him from his prior role as a managing director at Clean Bridge Securities.

Geographic Focus and Venture Scaling

Emerging markets continue to draw significant venture interest, as Accel and Prosus selected six startups for their inaugural India cohort, choosing them from over 2,000 applicants to receive initial funding between $500,000 and $2 million each. This focus on early scaling is mirrored by the continued emergence of specialized European technology ecosystems, where over 50 startups are currently focusing on quantum computing. Meanwhile, high-profile digital players in Europe are achieving profitability, with Revolut reporting record profits as the challenger bank prepares for further expansion.