Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

Venture Capital Activity and Valuations

Moss, a fintech startup, has achieved unicorn status with its Series C funding round, securing €30 million. Oxylabs, after a decade of declining venture capital, has now reached a valuation of $3.6 billion, attributing its success to opportune timing and the right partnerships. A review of 144 new funds offers insights into the evolving European investment landscape. A16z has backed Happy Robot, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. Global venture continued its strong performance in July, with startup capital totaling $65 billion, a 100% increase year-over-year. That month also saw the highest-ever number of billion-dollar venture rounds recorded.

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures

Thoma Bravo is set to sell Command Alkon, a provider of software and platform technology for the heavy building materials industry, to Francisco Partners. Axum Capital agreed to acquire Barcode, a Los Angeles-based plant-based and hydration drink brand. Ridgemont has acquired Entact, a national provider of environmental remediation and geotechnical construction services, from JFLCO. Wynnchurch-backed Trimlite purchased doormaker Barnett Millworks, expanding its reach into the Southeast market and enhancing its North American customer service capabilities. Wind Point Partners is acquiring ECI, a managed services provider for alternative asset managers and regulated financial firms, from H.I.G. Capital. Advent HarbourVest have reached an agreement to acquire FNZ Bank in Germany, a platform connecting over 50,000 financial advisers, 200 asset managers, and more than 400 distribution partners. EIP and Ocean Sound-backed Convey has acquired Selectron, a company providing software for government and utility sectors, integrating their omnichannel communications and engagement operating systems. KKR is taking Integer Holdings private in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $5.7 billion has acquired Carolina Components Group, a provider of custom-engineered bioprocessing assemblies. Waterland has acquired a majority stake in Norisol, a Danish industrial services firm specializing in technical insulation, scaffolding, and marine solutions. Mutares has completed its acquisition of SABIC's engineering thermoplastics business in the Americas and Europe for $450 million. Apollo has agreed to acquire Maverick Water Group, an operator of alternative non-potable water systems, from Crosstimbers Capital Group.

Private Equity Fund Launches and Strategies

LGT Capital Partners has launched its debut credit secondaries strategy, aiming to invest in LP-led, GP-led, and opportunistic deals with a focus on senior lending. Met Life Investment Management has closed its third managed fund deal with Lexington, raising approximately $1.2 billion for Met Life Investment Private Equity Partners Fund III, with Lexington Partners serving as the lead investor. Apollo is reportedly halfway to its target for Fund XI, which has a fundraising goal of $22 billion to $25 billion and began its capital raise in February. Adams Street doubled the size of its fund with its latest flagship secondaries raise, securing $2.7 billion as part of a $5 billion secondaries program. This fund seeks an equal split between LP-led and GP-led investments, with a focus on North America and Europe.

Sector-Specific Investments and Trends

Nordic Capital is acquiring BWXT's medical isotopes business for up to $800 million in a significant move into the radiopharma sector. BV Investments is partnering with the leadership team of workforce compliance service provider Thomas & Company to support its growth. There is growing private equity interest in naval shipbuilding, with the U.S. Navy budget exceeding $300 billion. Sheridan Capital has acquired Carolina Components Group, a provider of custom-engineered bioprocessing assemblies 10x Banking, a company that provides cloud-native core banking technology to help financial institutions modernize their infrastructure.

Regulatory, Market Dynamics, and Other Developments

The European Union's €5 billion tech superfund is now officially operational. Nscale will provide computing resources to AI researchers at Oxford, UCL, and Imperial. Discussions are ongoing regarding the rise of AI content and its potential impact on data rights, with some suggesting a re-rating of "rights-clean" data. Private equity professionals are concerned that impact investing is being unfairly associated with ESG concerns. Limited partners are seeking to establish better reporting standards from general partners. Blue Owl is expanding its presence in Tokyo by strengthening its talent pool. Bending Spoons completed its first acquisition since its IPO, a $2.25 billion deal for Airtable. Fintech startup has been recognized as Europe's newest unicorn following its €30 million Series C funding. There are also reports of a lawsuit filed against Nik Storonsky concerning a €350 million superyacht.