Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: April 10, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Secondaries Activity

Private equity fundraising timelines averaged 14 months in the first quarter, marking the shortest duration seen since 2022, suggesting nascent signs of improving capital deployment conditions despite broader market challenges. This relative efficiency coincided with a positive closing rate, as nearly half of all PE funds that finalized their fundraising efforts in Q1 met or exceeded their targets, the highest proportion observed in at least five years. In the secondary market, Arcomont's Ares-led $2.5 billion credit vehicle is capitalizing on the burgeoning debt secondaries space, with CEO Anthony Fobel indicating openness to future dealings with traditional private debt competitors. However, the venture secondaries segment faces questions regarding the sustainability of its recent pricing recovery, driven in part by AI-related technology disruptions.

Dealmaking Trends: Sector Focus & Exits

Deal flow across specific sectors shows continued PE interest in infrastructure and consumer brands. Blackstone is acquiring a minority stake in Rowan Digital Infrastructure, which is currently backed by Quinbrook, signaling continued large-scale investment in digital backbone assets. Elsewhere, Blackstone is also partnering with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise to launch a $1.6 billion annual aircraft leasing initiative. In the consumer space, firms like Advent, Round Table, and Gemspring are actively pursuing personal care brands as they seek to establish deeper consumer relationships. Meanwhile, in exits, TPG is exploring strategic options for its Asia One Healthcare unit, potentially leading to a sale or IPO valued around $7.5 billion, while EQT agreed to divest its stake in a Nordic ferry operator to a consortium including Interogo Infrastructure.

Sector-Specific Transactions and Portfolio Moves

Activity remains high in niche technology and specialized services. GTCR finalized its acquisition of Zentiva, a European generics pharmaceutical company, from Advent, underscoring commitment to the healthcare manufacturing sector. In medical devices, Avista is acquiring Bentech Medical from sellers Greyrock and Hermitage Equity Partners. Consolidation is occurring in professional services, where the KLB Business Valuations merger with Tower Brook-backed Eisner Amper is anticipated to close in May 2026. Furthermore, infrastructure investment continues, with Ara Partners committing up to $500 million to accelerate the project pipeline and manufacturing capabilities of waste management firm Sedron across North America.

Portfolio Company Financing and Public Offerings

Portfolio companies are testing public markets and continuing bolt-on acquisitions. Madison Dearborn-backed defense technology provider Aevex has set its IPO pricing terms, targeting a $2.35 billion valuation for a $336 million offering. Concurrently, Gryphon-backed Caylent, an Amazon Web Services partner, is expanding via acquisition, purchasing tech firm Pronetx. In the middle market, Granite Creek-backed Salem One completed the purchase of brand development agency Smash Brand. On the financing side, Onex Partners closed a $1.6 billion multi-asset completion vote, securing capital for holdings including Power School and Sedgwick. Separately, Charlesbank is leading a new investment into Bridgepointe Technologies, with Carlyle Alp Invest also participating in the round.

Venture Capital and Fintech Funding Dynamics

Despite market volatility, Europe saw its highest number of $1 billion-plus startups minted in four years, signaling substantial growth in later-stage private tech valuations. Global venture funding for financial technology startups demonstrated resilience in Q1, with total capital raised reaching $12 billion across only 751 deals as of early April, representing a 5% dollar increase from the prior period. Smaller, targeted raises are also occurring, such as Collide Capital closing its $95 million Fund II aimed at fintech and future-of-work startups, and AI tax automation startup Juno securing a $12 million seed round. Meanwhile, LPs are adjusting mandates, with APAC potentially benefiting from diversification drives and changing investment priorities detailed in recent LP surveys.