Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 22, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Dealmaking & Valuations

Private equity firms are targeting the laundry services sector, seeing it as a resilient area with limited AI disruption risk, with Sterling Group and Cornell Capital among those investing. Meanwhile, Investcorp is acquiring a majority stake in UK facilities management firm Smart Managed Solutions in a deal valued at over $200 million. In a significant move, Castlelake has taken its £4.7 billion ($6.3 takeover proposal for easy Jet directly to shareholders after the airline's board rejected three prior approaches. These transactions reflect a continued push by PE into specialized service sectors and aviation, albeit with varying degrees of success in deal closure.

Venture Capital & Emerging Technologies

The venture capital landscape is witnessing a surge in robotics startups, which have raised $18.8 billion globally in 2026 so far, surpassing the $14.1 billion recorded in the peak year of 2025. This influx of capital signals strong investor confidence in automation and AI-driven innovation. In parallel, the software industry is poised for a significant shift, moving beyond general Saa S to AI-native, industry-specific platforms, with vertical AI companies possessing deep domain expertise expected to be the biggest beneficiaries. Europe is also actively building its AI infrastructure, with a focus on controlling the entire AI stack and a debate emerging around the utility of non-compete clauses in the region's AI sector.

Fundraising & Investor Activity

Seedcamp, a prominent European seed investor, has closed two funds totaling $320 million, with $220 million for its seventh core fund and $100 million for a select fund, bringing its assets under management to $1 billion. This aggressive fundraising by early-stage investors underscores continued appetite for venture-backed startups. In the secondary market, INVL Family Office has launched a private equity secondaries fund in partnership with Adams Street Partners, providing its clients access to this growing segment. Similarly, Swedish insurer LF is exploring moves into private debt secondaries, following a trend among European insurers like NN Group seeking to diversify illiquid credit portfolios. Investor sentiment regarding secondary market activity remains strong, with around 40% of LPs expecting continued growth in volume, even as exit markets improve.

Market Dynamics & Strategic Adjustments

The push for AI innovation is not without its challenges, as evidenced by Unlikely AI undergoing a strategic shakeup amid widening losses and senior staff departures. This situation highlights the operational risks and capital demands inherent in cutting-edge technology development. The broader theme of disruption is a central focus for private fund managers, who are navigating turbulent markets to orchestrate profitable exits. This involves adapting strategies to achieve attractive internal rates of return in an uncertain economic environment. Meanwhile, some investors are expressing dissatisfaction with a perceived lack of clear product vision, bemoaning "vibe-coded product slop", suggesting a desire for more tangible innovation and less superficial product development.