Private Equity 24 Hours

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

Fundraising and Dealmaking Activity

Private equity firms have been actively deploying capital and raising new funds. Harbour Vest Partners closed its seventh direct co-investment program, HCF VII, with approximately $4.75 billion in commitments, surpassing its target. Meanwhile, Ares Management is backing Firebird Music's new $750 million fund focused on acquiring music rights catalogues. In the HR technology sector, Lightyear, and Bridgepoint have signed deals. CenterGate Capital has invested in Canadian Dental Labs, which operates eleven dental laboratories across Canada.

Sector Focus and Strategic Investments

Several firms are targeting specific sectors for growth and innovation. Apollo Global, along with Kain and OMERS, is investing in primary care, a sector seeing increased demand for digital infrastructure. KKR has launched a new platform aimed at leveraging innovation in medical devices. In the molecular testing space, EQT, Advent, and KKR are reportedly considering bids for Qiagen. Warburg Pincus is supporting the growth of Australian credit agency Creditor Watch in Asia. SoftBank and Pay Pay are in discussions to invest in Seven & i Holdings, the owner of 7-Eleven.

Venture Capital Dynamics and Legal Disputes

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate venture funding, accounting for five of the ten largest funding rounds this week, including two billion-dollar deals for AI infrastructure and cybersecurity. Warburg Pincus also backed Creditor Watch, an Australian credit reporting platform, in a deal aimed at expanding its presence in Asia. However, the venture capital world is not without its legal challenges. Fizz, a college application platform, has expanded its lawsuit against rival Sidechat, alleging that a Maveron VC shared confidential information obtained during a fundraising meeting. Separately, Yann LeCun’s newly launched fund has reportedly shut down amid allegations of exclusivity relationships.

Investor Services and Market Trends

The Minnesota State Board of Investment is seeking a general investment consultant through a Request for Proposals. Apollo has also made a bid for the budget airline Easy Jet. Meanwhile, investor interest in European tech's once-hot sectors appears to be waning among what are described as "tourist investors." Some intriguing startup deals have emerged, including one that is developing AI models for biology and another focused on reducing paperwork in private markets.