Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking and Portfolio Activity

Private equity firms have been active on both the acquisition and divestment fronts. Inflexion agreed to acquire Primed Group from Paragon Partners, marking its sixth DACH investment. Main Capital-backed Whitevision of Documation, expanding its UK presence and purchase-to-pay automation technology. Battery Ventures-backed ORTEC completed an add-on of TOBA HR Solutions, bolstering its healthcare client base and expertise in shift planning. Broadwing-backed Lehr scooped up emergency vehicle upfitting assets from Pro Logic ITS as its tenth add-on acquisition. Warburg-backed Bond Vet is set to merge with Small Door Veterinary, creating a network of over 55 clinics. AE Industrial acquired powder spray producer Powder Alloy, establishing a specialty materials platform. Atlas Holdings-backed Stryten Energy scooped up KPS-backed C&D Trojan Battery, expanding its battery manufacturing footprint across the U.S. HIG Capital’s OB Streem completed an acquisition of Med Frigo in Greece, enhancing cold-chain logistics for Greek aquaculture producers. Mill Point Capital closed a deal for Total Safety Supplies & Solutions.

On the exit side, CAI Capital exited HVAC provider Custom Air to Service Logic Holdings Canada after an eight-year holding period, during which Custom Air completed five add-on deals. Wynnchurch exited flow control specialist Flo Works to Ferguson for $1.6bn, representing a 10x LTM adjusted EBITDA multiple.

Growth Capital and Venture Funding Rounds

Several companies have secured significant growth capital. Defence tech company Project Q landed €15m in a Series A round just 11 months after its last raise. Hermes agent maker Nous Research is in talks for new funding at a $1.5bn valuation, reportedly raising at least $75m led by Robot Ventures. Helsing raised $1.8bn backed by Goldman Sachs and Lightspeed. AI startup Nest AI, founded by Peter Sarlin, is seeking to reduce Europe's reliance on foreign AI models for defense. Promptwatch, a competitor in the PE/VC ecosystem intelligence space, raised €6m in a seed round.

Investor Activity and Market Trends

Institutional investors are actively seeking opportunities and adapting strategies. The Chicago FABF issued an RFP for investment consultants to advise on its $1.66bn AUM. The Korean pension KBIZ seeks to commit 300bn won to domestic blind-pool PE/VC funds for 2026. Sixth Street is eyeing Asian sports deals as part of its regional expansion.

The secondaries market is seeing increased activity, with Ardea Partners tapping an MD from PJT for secondaries advisory and Moelis building out its LP-led secondaries business with a team from Evercore. Late-stage secondary offerings are private market access, according to Sifted. Arctos debuted a $6.2bn GP financing strategy.

In the UK, policy and regulation are supporting pension schemes' shift towards private markets, though the pace depends on fee mechanics and growth capital availability. Data center development, however, faces challenges, with Nscale's £2bn UK data center hit by grid delays.

AI and Technology Sector Investments

The artificial intelligence sector continues to attract significant investment and talent. Anthropic has recruited Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield for its AI compute team. Sapphire Ventures' Anders Ranum discussed what separates winning AI startups, highlighting the navigation of valuation gaps between public and private markets. Goldman Sachs noted that AI is making underwriting a tougher prospect.

Founder-Led Ventures and M&A Strategy

Founders are leveraging past successes to build new ventures. One founder who sold his startup to Klarna for €110m has raised €12m to build again. Harvey's VP of EMEA addressed M&A strategy, emphasizing a proactive approach to opportunities.