Private Equity 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: July 3, 2026, 11:30 PM ET
Private Equity Activity
Blackstone's private wealth fund posted its strongest-ever monthly return, propelled by a significant stake in AI developer Anthropic, signaling robust investor appetite for AI exposure within the alternative asset class. This surge in performance highlights the growing trend of high-net-worth individuals increasing their allocations to private markets. In a separate development, Eurazeo exited its Spanish hotel portfolio, selling FST Hotels to European hospitality specialist Extendam, a move underscoring continued deal-making in the real estate sector despite broader economic uncertainties.
The European venture capital scene is witnessing dynamic shifts, with ETCI-backed VC firms splitting sifted.eu over a proposal to restrict non-European investments, pointing to internal debates on geographic strategy. Simultaneously, AI voice technology firm ElevenLabs is targeting a $22 billion valuation sifted.eu through a new share sale, reflecting the intense investor interest in generative AI startups. Europe's startup ecosystem is also demonstrating resilience, with a reported one unicorn emerging weekly sifted.eu, and a long-standing EU initiative transforming startup placements into patents, indicating a maturing innovation pipeline in the region. The King's Cross area in London is becoming a hub for AI research, with several AI labs establishing bases sifted.eu there.
In the digital infrastructure space, Sandbrook reported significant momentum pehub.com in European projects, highlighted by a €200 million investment in Krios for data center development. This activity is complemented by software-focused deals, with Main Capital and Volpi Capital also making strategic investments. Meanwhile, the Town of Wellesley is seeking an investment consultant privateequityinternational.com for its retirement board and other post-employment benefits trust, indicating ongoing due diligence and asset allocation reviews by institutional investors. In secondary markets, Evercore bolstered its Asia team secondariesinvestor.com with talent from Harbour Vest, signaling an expansion of services in the region’s growing private equity secondaries market.