Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 11:41 PM ET

Megafunds and Institutional Capital

Thrive Holdings raised $2 billion at a $12 billion valuation from SoftBank, D1 Capital Partners and Altimeter Capital to bring AI to the enterprise. HarbourVest revealed deployment plans for its $4.75 billion flagship fund, while its seventh co-investment fund targets transformative trends in AI and healthcare innovation. Accel raised $800 million for its ninth early‑stage Europe fund. Lovable secured $400 million backed by the EU’s Scaleup Fund, and Goldman Sachs agreed to acquire ETF provider Neos Investments for $2.25 billion, adding $30 billion in assets under management.

Venture Capital and AI Labs

Index Ventures is in talks to lead a $500 million round for a new AI lab founded by a Deep Mind researcher. Drone startup Uforce targets upwards of a $4 billion valuation in a new raise. ClearJet raised a $25 million Series B led by Edison Partners to build the "Uber of Cargo." Fitness startup funding is rebounding, with investment in the sector topping $3.6 billion in the first half as investors seek AI and data rather than hardware. Deeptech founders are increasingly dictating term sheets in 2026, while an ex‑LocalGlobe trio is plotting a new VC firm, signalling continued spin‑out activity.

M&A: Healthcare, Life Sciences and Services

Astorg completed its buyout of Thermo Fisher’s microbiology business, while Mountaingate exited healthcare commercialisation platform Relevate. Gridiron Capital invested in van den Boom & Associates, a back‑office provider for life sciences companies. Riverside‑backed Western Botanicals invested in dietary supplement developer Yellow Emperor, and Reverence Capital‑backed Sunstar picked up insurance agency RJR Faribo. Clearview‑backed Capitol Services acquired corporate services provider Wolz.

Exits and Divestitures Across Sectors

TDR Capital is exploring a sale of private credit manager Arrow Global, which it took private five years ago, as deal activity heats up. One Rock Capital agreed to sell environmental services firm Enviro Serve to Clean Harbors for $470 million. Providence Equity agreed to sell live entertainment business ATG, which operates 70 venues across the UK, US, Germany and Spain, including seven on Broadway. Bain Capital, Platinum Equity and Monogram Capital have also been active in beverage sector deals.

Credit Markets and CLO Activity

CVC Credit priced Apidos LVIII, a new $550 million collateralised loan obligation, extending a busy year of CLO issuance. US investors are raising questions over credit secondaries valuations, with executives from a New York pension fund and a Dallas‑based multifamily office voicing concerns during a PEI Group webinar.

Pension Perspectives and LP Strategy

The LA Fire and Police Pension reaffirmed its conviction in lower mid‑market and emerging managers, arguing its distributions have fared well in a difficult period for LPs. Former APG PE veteran John Renkema discusses how pensions can better assess performance through internal asset class evaluations. A side letter highlights that valuations are facing SEC scrutiny, while tail‑end specialist Hollyport has parted with an equity stake.

Energy and Sustainability

Solar energy is drawing private equity interest alongside the ATG sale. 16 energy startups to watch in Europe have been identified by investors, reflecting growing cleantech momentum. Lessons from Ukraine on keeping up morale among tech workers offer insights for founders navigating wartime conditions.