Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

AI & Venture Capital Fueling Dealmaking

The artificial intelligence sector continues to be a dominant force in venture capital, with AI-centric startups securing the majority of the week's largest U.S. funding rounds drove another spree. Beyond AI, biotechnology also saw substantial investment. One notable AI fundraise involves Berlin-based Peec AI, which is reportedly targeting a $200 million valuation in its latest funding round targeting $200m valuation. Further underscoring the massive capital flowing into AI, MGX is in the process of raising close to $50 billion, positioning it as one of the largest AI-focused funds ever assembled raises close to $50bn.

Private Equity Acquisitions & Exits

Private equity firms have been active in portfolio management, with several significant acquisitions and potential exits reported. Warburg Pincus is set to acquire Network Plus, a UK provider of utility and infrastructure services. In the healthcare sector, Archimed, HCAP, Hg, and Kain Capital are actively pursuing radiology assets, with at least five deals in the works pursuing transactions. L Catterton is exploring an exit from Thorne, the U.S. supplements maker, with a potential valuation of up to $4 billion, attracting interest from bidders including Unilever. Additionally, Permira is nearing an exit from the sustainable womenswear brand Reformation, which has filed for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange files for NYSE IPO.

Mega-Deals and Strategic Partnerships

Large-scale transactions and strategic alliances are shaping the private equity landscape. A Permira and Warburg Pincus-led consortium has finalized the $8.4 billion take-private acquisition of Clearwater Analytics, a U.S. investment management software provider complete $8.4bn take-private. In another significant development, CVC Capital Partners' Fund IX is backing Chess.com, the world's largest online chess platform. General Atlantic, meanwhile, has expanded its strategic advisory board by appointing tennis champion Novak Djokovic taps tennis champion. CPP Investments and Blackstone Credit & Insurance have entered into a strategic relationship with Element Fleet Management, committing to provide flexible funding for the company's operations anchor Element Fleet funding.

Secondary Market Activity and Portfolio Growth

The secondary market and ongoing portfolio development are also key areas of activity. Plaza Ventures has invested in the digital advertising company Stack Adapt, a deal considered one of Canada's highest-returning venture deals, providing the firm with more strategic flexibility amid AI-driven market shifts leads on Plaza Ventures’ CV. In acquisitions aimed at expanding portfolio company capabilities, Partners Group-backed Sure Werx has acquired Genesi, an Italian provider of safety products for work-at-height and confined spaces acquires Italy’s Genesi. Park South Ventures-backed Infinite has acquired Greentarget UK, a communications agency specializing in financial and professional services picks up Greentarget UK. Norwest has invested in East Range Group, a firm focused on high-purity water systems, intending to fuel growth in personnel, customer service, and capabilities invests in high-purity water.

Public Market Transitions and Investor Planning

Several companies are transitioning to public markets or seeing their private equity backers prepare for future commitments. JFLCO-backed Doncasters has successfully listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "DPC" JFLCO-backed Doncasters goes public. Separately, Bain Capital and LY Corporation are reportedly preparing a competing offer for the Japanese price-comparison group Kakaku.com, aiming to challenge EQT's existing bid rival bid for Kakaku. Ohio STRS, a public pension fund, has outlined its private equity pacing plan for fiscal year 2027, with intentions to allocate up to $1.5 billion to new private equity commitments sets private equity pacing plan.

Sector Trends and Emerging Opportunities

Broader market trends indicate sustained growth opportunities in specific sectors. Smart city assets are demonstrating strong growth rates and attractive valuations, benefiting from favorable market tailwinds offer decades-long growth. The venture capital community is also reflecting on how to increase funding for Black founders, with several investors offering advice on overcoming systemic barriers fund more Black Founders. In early-stage funding, several seed rounds that may have been overlooked in the first half of the year have been noted seed rounds you may have missed. Emerging technologies are also attracting attention, such as voice-controlled drones backed by investors like Lakestar and Seedcamp voice-controlled drones startup. Meanwhile, a number of French and Benelux startups have achieved significant revenue milestones, exceeding €100 million making €100m+ in revenue.