Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Fundraising Activity and Investment Trends

Venture capital firms are actively raising new funds, with crypto-focused Paradigm closing a $1.2 billion fund for investments in robotics and AI, extending its reach beyond cryptocurrencies. Solo GP Ashley Smith's Vermilion Cliffs Ventures announced a $25 million second fund targeting startups in AI and security. L1 Impact is seeking $100 million across four funds with a social impact focus, targeting capital allocation in the Middle East and India. Temasek aims to increase its allocations to AI-focused investments, private credit, and infrastructure assets by March 2031, noting that EMEA direct investments have lagged other markets.

Private Equity Dealmaking

Tricor Pacific Capital acquired Arctec Alloys Limited, planning to merge it with existing portfolio company Rockmount Research & Alloys to form a North American maintenance welding platform. River Associates acquired auto parts provider Horsepower Automotive Group, which designs, manufactures, and distributes performance parts for adventure vehicles. Shore Capital purchased HR tech firm ThrivePass. Recognize made a majority investment in digital infrastructure services firm Smartlink, which serves clients across all 50 states. Frazier Healthcare is set to acquire health tech firm Matrix Care from seller Resmed. Ardian closed a €1 billion deal for HR Path, a business focused on HR consulting, HRIS implementation, and outsourcing. Bregal Sagemount invested in Pandion Optimization Alliance to support its growth. Sallyport invested in pipeline erosion remediation firm Submar as its third platform investment from its flagship fund.

Sector-Specific Investments and Opportunities

In the sports sector, CVC Capital is investing in music distributor Distro Kid, with Insight Partners retaining a significant minority stake. The World Cup has highlighted private equity interest in soccer deals, with firms like Apollo, KKR, and Avenue Sports making acquisitions in the sector. Blue Owl has high expectations for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Bruin is seeking $530 million for Full Swing. Tikehau's Emmanuel Laillier sees opportunities in defense tech, particularly in electronics and mechanical components, with a new deal anticipated later this year or next. He also noted that asset mergers are essential for a unified European defense strategy.

Technology and Startup Funding

World Fund and IQ Capital were among the backers of Quantum Diamonds' €91 million funding round. Nvidia is backing voice AI startup Gradium, bringing its seed round to over $100 million. EdVisorly secured a $13.3 million Series A round for its AI-native platform designed to automate college transfer processes. Sifted identified 50 of Europe’s fastest-growing startup teams in the first half of 2026, and highlighted 8 stealth founders using AI to disrupt their former industries.

Investor Activity and Market Commentary

Familiar names topped the active US investor rankings in the second quarter, according to Crunchbase News, which also compiled rankings for lead investors and highest spenders. A piece in Secondaries Investor offered a list of buyers' top book and podcast recommendations for summer reading. Another article discussed how LPs without venture capital allocations may be overexposed to traditional investments, while KKR's Arctos capitalizes on GP illiquidity and an IPO surge could benefit VC exits. A separate analysis argued that Saa S metrics like LTV/CAC and NRR are indicators of performance but should not be mistaken for strategy.