Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Fundraising & Capital Markets

The private capital markets are seeing significant capital concentration, with Hayfin Capital Management raising $17.1bn for its latest direct lending fund. This trend favors larger players, a dynamic also reflected in the EU's potential standoff over a €5bn superfund with the UK, where discussions continue over quota deals to resolve the disagreement EU offers quota deal. Meanwhile, Thiel Capital's venture arm, Copper Sky Capital, is seeking $300 million for its second fund, signaling continued appetite for early-stage tech investments. Early-stage firm Magnify Ventures also secured $46.6 million for its second fund, with Melinda French Gates' Pivotal Ventures as an LP. In the secondaries market, BCI is launching a capital solutions strategy, aiming for "good returns" despite the increasing participation of LPs in continuation vehicles and secondaries transactions BCI seeks good returns. Japan's LP market is also seeing shifts, with one of its largest and most influential LPs on the move.

Deal Activity & Sector Focus

The energy and AI sectors are leading the charge in startup funding rounds, with U.S. startups announcing sizable investments. Private equity firms continue to actively deploy capital across various sectors. Platinum Equity is set, which operates 31 locations across the Midwest. In the industrial services space, Truelink Capital made its first Fund II platform investment in Horwitz MEP, a provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. The maritime logistics sector saw JFLCO-backed Wrist Group acquire. In healthcare technology, Peak Rock acquired health, which also runs a specialty pharmacy conference. Another healthcare-related deal saw Ampersand acquire Beacon Intelligence, a provider of structured data on early-stage drug development.

The consumer sector is also active, with Cinven backing the merger of Vitamin Well and EMPWR, bringing Barebells' primary producer in-house. Riverside Company has sold organic candy brand YumEarth to ACON Investments. In the automotive aftermarket, Garnett Station is reportedly collecting bids for its auto services provider Goodturn, with potential buyers offering 13x-15x EBITDA. Mergers and acquisitions in the regulatory technology space include Nordic Capital-backed Regnology agreeing to buy Fed Reporter as part of its U.S. expansion.

Technology & AI Investments

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are reshaping investment strategies, with AI continuing to accelerate funding and exits. While AI is a significant driver, some established tech sub-sectors are facing headwinds, as the 'Saa Spocalypse' exposes the vulnerability of private equity's software holdings. Investors are urged to identify managers capable of navigating this evolving landscape. In hardware, drone maker Quantum Systems has raised $1.2bn and is eyeing humanoid robots. The defense industry is also attracting attention, with investors anticipating a significant spending spree over the next decade LPs eye defence spending, though private capital is viewed as a catalyst rather than a replacement for government funding Private capital to accelerate UK defence.

International Dealmaking & Expansion

European firms are expanding their reach. IK Partners is opening a Madrid office and appointing a new partner. In regulatory tech, Nordic Capital-backed Regnology is expanding into the U.S. by acquiring Fed Reporter. On the exit front, Inflexion sold aerospace supplier Avantus to Arcline Investment. In the infrastructure space, CVC DIF has exited its Polish wind portfolio to Actis. In Japan, Bain Capital and SoftBank's LY have sweetened their bid for Kakaku.com to $4.1bn, increasing their lead over rival bidder EQT.

Secondary Market & LP Perspectives

The secondary market continues to evolve, with continuation vehicle guidance being a focus for market practice, lest regulators intervene. While more LPs are participating directly in such vehicles and secondaries transactions, they remain the exception rather than the norm BCI's global head of PE. Investor sentiment in the UK is also being shaped by regulatory discussions, with private capital seeking clarity on regulatory expectations. Broader initiatives are underway to broaden access to the startup ecosystem, such as bring working-class graduates into.