Private Equity 24 Hours

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

AI & Venture Capital

Abu Dhabi's MGX has raised nearly $50bn for an artificial intelligence fund, positioning itself as one of the largest ever dedicated to AI infrastructure and technology. This significant capital injection signals a global race to dominate the AI sector. In parallel, Visionaries partner Judith Dada has joined AI startup Langdock as co-CEO, indicating a shift in leadership at emerging technology firms. The UK government is also bolstering its venture capital ecosystem, with the British Business Bank backing 10 VC funds with £90m and eyeing a stake in the EU's €5bn Scaleup Fund as part of its strategy. Meanwhile, XCures secured $46M Series B for its AI-powered medical records platform, demonstrating continued investor confidence in AI's application across various industries.

Fundraising & Investment Strategies

Valor Equity Partners is seeking $2.5bn for its Fund VII, signaling continued fundraising momentum for established growth equity firms. In the realm of data centers, Bain Capital is in talks with Dubai Holding for its European platform Hscale, while Blackstone is preparing to invest $30bn in Japan's AI data center infrastructure over the next three to five years. These moves underscore the massive demand for digital infrastructure. Private credit also saw activity, with Sea Town and Oman's sovereign fund anchoring a $255m Vinpearl deal, highlighting the growing role of non-bank lenders in strategic investments.

Deal Activity & Sector Focus

Private equity firms are actively pursuing add-on acquisitions and platform investments. HiGro Group-backed Daida acquired Scan-Optics, a business process services and document digitization firm. One Equity-backed PGW acquired automotive glass firm Windshield Surgeons, expanding its reach in the automotive aftermarket. In the IT services sector, LightBay Capital backed managed services provider Centre Technologies, which serves over 750 clients across Texas and Oklahoma. Further demonstrating sector diversification, Chicago Pacific Founders invested in health tech firm Attune, aiming to accelerate its platform roadmap. Huron Capital-backed Exigent acquired Superior Building Services, a provider of HVAC, plumbing, and engineering services. Separately, New Mountain invested in engineering firm RRC Companies, and ACP-backed Schneider Geospatial picked up govtech firm New England GeoSystems.

Specialized Investments & Exits

Providence Equity Partners is in exclusive talks to sell theatre group ATG Entertainment for £4.5bn ($6bn), representing a significant exit opportunity. In the industrial sector, Ara Partners is selling Vacuumschmelze to Energy Fuels for $1.9bn, a deal involving an advanced magnetics company with over 400 patents. The firm's focus on mission-critical companies means it is less affected by AI-driven volatility in the wider market, according to Main Capital's managing partner Sjoerd Aarts, who noted the Dutch manager's recent €5.25bn raise.

Fund Finance & Secondaries

Panellists at the European Fund Finance Association conference noted that fund finance has evolved into a multi-instrument and life cycle-wide toolkit, driven by increased institutional investor appetite and liquidity. Meanwhile, Painswick Capital is focusing on single-asset continuation vehicles, viewing them as a core private equity business. South Korean investment bank KB Securities is open to LP and GP-led secondaries partnerships, particularly in Asia and the U.S.

Franchise & Sports Investments

Orangewood Partners, Great Hill, and Bessemer are investing in franchises, leveraging AI to transform customer feedback and service for restaurants and retail. In sports, American private equity firm 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 sports.

Emerging Trends & Personnel

European investors are showing a strong interest in nuclear startups, reflecting a broader "massive scramble" for sovereign energy solutions. The debate on European investment strategies continues, with a call to bet on BRIOCHE companies over FAANG stocks. In terms of personnel, HIG Capital appointed Carlos Couret as managing director for its lower mid-market private equity operations in Spain. Ex-Meta CTO Mike Schroepfer suggests it is an opportune time to build hard tech companies, stating that "infrastructure is the moat" due to the impending power crunch.

Software & IT Services

Thoma Bravo is backing occupational health software firm Padoa, a European provider of health and safety software. Ambienta is investing in flavor producer GFF, which develops natural flavors for small to mid-sized food and beverage companies. Dutch manager Main Capital has raised €5.25bn and is set to open a London office, focusing on mission-critical software companies.