Private Equity 24 Hours

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

Fundraising Reaches New Heights Amidst AI Influence

Private equity fundraising shattered records in the second quarter, with total inflows significantly boosted by the colossal $49 billion raised for MGX Fund I in June buoyed by the $49bn. This surge underscores the growing influence of artificial intelligence on limited partner allocations, a trend highlighted by MGX's substantial fundraise. the Korean government-related Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention Fund is seeking to commit 270 billion Korean won to domestic blind PE/VC funds for 2026, while the Korean Teachers' Credit Union plans to commit 100 billion won to similar blind-pool funds. Schroders anticipates a threefold increase in GP-led secondary volumes, suggesting continued activity in that segment.

Dealmaking Activity and Sector Focus

The M&A market continues to be dominated by mega-deals, a trend that significantly impacts the global deal-making landscape. In the environmental services sector, several private equity firms, including Ares, Littlejohn, Palladium, and TPG, are reportedly evaluating the sale of environmental service providers, signaling potential divestments in the second half of the year are said to soon hit the market. Kohlberg is exiting its investment in a cake decorations company to Sentinel. Meanwhile, Decathlon Capital Partners is investing in Amprion Inc., a diagnostics firm focused on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Charlesbank has completed an investment in the secondaries PE firm Overbay, with the Overbay team retaining significant long-term shareholder status and control over investment activities.

Strategic Investments and Platform Builds

KKR has launched Allyntra, a new medical technology platform anchored by Precipart, an existing portfolio company. In the security and life safety sector, Pye-Barker, a PE-backed entity, has acquired ResponseTECH. Bregal-backed Juniper Landscaping has expanded its commercial landscaping operations by acquiring two aquatic maintenance firms, Compass Environmental and Aquatic Weeds. Coalesce has backed Decision HR in its acquisition of payroll service provider Paymasters Inc. snaps up. Arrow Global has signed a deal to acquire Fusion Specialty Group, a managing general agent that has written approximately £290 million in gross premiums.

European Venture Capital Shows Strong Growth

Europe experienced its most robust quarter for venture funding in four years, with startups raising a total of $24 billion in the second quarter, representing a roughly one-third increase. Amidst this growth, Europe's newest defense unicorn raised $175 million in a Series B funding round. Searchlight’s James Redmayne views B2B events and blue-collar services as "high-conviction" areas for the firm, noting that the bid-ask gap for quality assets is narrowing, suggesting selective deal activity will increase in the second half of the year. Redmayne also observes a clear bifurcation in the market, with premium assets attracting buyer interest while more cyclical or AI-exposed businesses face challenges are struggling or having to.

Secondaries Market Poised for H2 Pickup

Following a challenging first half, the secondaries market is expected to see increased activity in the second half of the year, according to industry advisors. Secondaries Investor is introducing enhanced surveys for advisory and law firms, aiming for a more granular tracking of the increasingly sophisticated market.

Other Notable Transactions and Fund Activity

B Capital-led investor group, including the California Public Employees' Retirement System, is set to acquire Russell Investments. Fundamentum has launched its third fund with $200 million, with Nandan Nilekani remaining as an anchor investor and the firm targeting AI and fintech startups in India. PSG Equity has agreed to a majority growth investment in Bright Analytics, a Belgian corporate performance management software provider with over 1,300 customers. World Fund and IQ Capital are among the backers of Quantum Diamonds' €91 million round. O2 Investment Partners has appointed Micah Dawson as an operating partner to drive value across its portfolio companies.