Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

AI Infrastructure & Venture Capital

Abu Dhabi's MGX has raised close to $50bn for a new artificial intelligence fund, signaling a significant capital influx into AI infrastructure and technology. This move comes as Blackstone prepares to invest $30bn in Japan's AI data center infrastructure over the next three to five years, underscoring a global push to build out the foundational technology for AI. In venture capital, Menlo Ventures has closed $3bn across two new funds, the largest capital raise in its 50-year history, specifically designated to back AI startups from seed through growth stages, building on its prior success with an early bet on Anthropic.

Fundraising & Investment Strategies

Valor Equity Partners is looking to raise $2.5bn for its seventh fund, indicating continued appetite for larger capital pools within private equity. Meanwhile, Main Capital Partners has raised €5.25bn for its latest fund, focusing on mission-critical software companies that may be less susceptible to market volatility. Panellists at a recent Fund Finance Association conference noted that fund finance has evolved into a multi-instrument toolkit, driven by increased investor appetite, liquidity, and bespoke structures. This evolution offers institutional investors greater access and flexibility in their private markets exposure as noted by State Street.

Software & IT Services Investments

Thoma Bravo is backing occupational health tech company Padoa, a European provider of software for occupational health, safety, and prevention. In a similar vein, Chicago Pacific Founders has backed health tech firm Attune, aiming to accelerate its platform roadmap and expand omnichannel capabilities. Separately, Apheon is investing in software and IT services business Easi, while New Mountain has invested in engineering firm RRC Companies, with Dr. Hisham Mahmoud joining as chairman. ACP-backed Schneider Geospatial is acquiring govtech firm New England GeoSystems, bolstering its suite of Saa S solutions for government technology sectors.

Sector-Specific Deals & Exits

Private equity firms are actively pursuing deals across various sectors. Bain Capital is courting Dubai Holding for its European data centre platform, Hscale, seeking fresh capital for expansion. In the automotive replacement glass market, One Equity-backed PGW has acquired Windshield Surgeons. The firm is also looking to sell theatre group ATG Entertainment to media mogul Ari Emanuel's Mari Group for £4.5bn ($6bn). In a strategic divestment, Ara Partners is selling Vacuumschmelze to Energy Fuels for $1.9bn. Separately, Acorn Capital is selling Berry Aviation for $105m to Bristow Group.

Franchise & Service Businesses

Orangewood Partners is investing in franchises, with insights from Alan Goldfarb on growing franchisee operations, as AI transforms customer feedback and service for restaurants and retail. In IT managed services, LightBay Capital is backing Centre Technologies, which serves over 750 clients across Texas and Oklahoma. Huron Capital-backed Exigent has acquired mechanical contractor Superior Building Services, expanding its HVAC, plumbing, and engineering services. Mangrove Equity has rolled out a new platform, Peak Pavement Group, adding two new businesses to the platform.

Healthcare & Data Services

XCures has secured $46M in Series B financing led by Innovius Capital for its AI-powered platform that streamlines patient data and medical records. In the realm of food and beverage, Ambienta is investing in Italy’s GFF, a developer of natural flavors for small and mid-sized customers.

Sports & Entertainment Investments

Juggernaut Capital Partners is teaming up with Gareth Bale to pursue a controlling stake in a football club, with plans to expand into golf and women's sport.

Fund Finance & Secondaries

The European Fund Finance Association conference highlighted the increasing sophistication of fund finance, with panelists emphasizing a move towards a multi-instrument and life-cycle-wide toolkit. This includes increased institutional investor appetite and the proliferation of bespoke structures that accelerate change in the sector as reported by Secondaries Investor and PE International. Additionally, KB Securities is open to LP and GP-led secondaries partnerships, considering deals in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the US. Painswick Capital views single-asset continuation vehicles as a private equity business.