Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: May 16, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Venture‑Capital Buzz

General Catalyst's provocative tweet campaign sparked reactions after a16z’s Marc Andreessen joined the online debate, driving a sharp uptick in the firm’s social media engagement. The post, which lampooned perceived VC complacency, coincided with a 12% surge in trailer‑post views for General Catalyst’s latest portfolio update, suggesting that even a single viral moment can translate into measurable buzz for an early‑stage fund.

Defense‑Tech Financing Frenzy

Anduril Industries topped the week’s fundraising list with a $5 billion round that dwarfed other physical‑world tech deals, lifting the company’s valuation to roughly $30 billion. The capital infusion comes as the U.S. defense budget ramps up, and analysts note that Anduril’s autonomous sensor suite positions it to benefit from the Pentagon’s shift toward “software‑first” capabilities. The deal also set a new benchmark for defense‑tech unicorns, prompting several mid‑stage firms to accelerate their own fundraising timelines.

Private‑Equity Litigation and Mergers

A jury dismissal of a racial‑discrimination claim against Mercury Capital clarified the firm’s workplace culture by ruling that the allegations were unfounded under former CEO Michael Ricciardi’s tenure. The decision removes a potential liability that could have dented the firm’s reputation among diverse talent pools. Meanwhile, a strategic consolidation in medical devices saw Charlesbank‑backed Tecomet and Nordic‑backed Orchid Orthopedic Solutions merge under the Tecomet name, creating a combined entity with an estimated $1.5 billion in annual revenue and a broadened product line spanning orthopaedic implants and rehabilitation devices.

Take‑Private and Funding Moves

Kinderhook’s completion of a take‑private transaction for Enhabit Home Health & Hospice closed at a $1.2 billion valuation underscores a broader trend of private‑equity firms targeting home‑care operators amid aging‑population pressures. The deal, led by Barb Jacobsmeyer’s stewardship, will allow Enhabit to scale its hospice services without public‑market scrutiny. In Europe, Dutch dronemaker Destinus entered €200 million funding talks with a mix of strategic and private‑equity investors, a move that could accelerate its autonomous delivery platform toward commercial viability. Finally, Schroders’ exit from its wholly‑owned China fund unit transferring products to Neuberger Berman reflects a strategic realignment toward core markets, while freeing capital for new private‑equity opportunities in Asia.