Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 5:35 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking and Fundraising

Private equity firms continue to be active across various sectors, with significant fundraising and acquisition activity reported. Databricks has once again entered the funding arena, raising an additional $5 billion, just eight months after a similar capital injection. This round positions Databricks among the week's largest funding rounds, which also included an AI neolab, data center and electricity storage, and defense ventures. In the industrial manufacturing space, Shurco, backed by Behrman Capital, has acquired Heavy Motions Inc., expanding its operational footprint. Battery Ventures has invested in Vetspire, an AI operating system for veterinary practices, aiming to accelerate product innovation and AI development within the sector.

The European market also saw substantial activity. EQT's €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund launched with €450 million dedicated to satellite operator ICEYE, valuing the company at €10 billion. Northern Gritstone, a UK-based investor, is expanding its global reach by opening an office in San Francisco. Private credit investors are reportedly showing interest in a €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) non-performing loan portfolio being divested by Italy's BFF Bank, with names like Pimco and Pollen Street mentioned as potential suitors. In the realm of infrastructure, CVC DIF has agreed to acquire a majority stake in German data centre operator firstcolo from Cube Infrastructure. Additionally, Astorg is reportedly in discussions to acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific’s microbiology business for approximately $1 billion, driven by demand for antimicrobial testing.

Valuations and Market Trends

Valuations and investor sentiment, particularly concerning artificial intelligence, remain a key focus. Joshua Kushner, co-founder of Thrive Capital, has cautioned Silicon Valley venture capitalists against excessive AI euphoria, emphasizing the importance of maintaining investment discipline despite the sector's significant potential. This sentiment is echoed in market performance, where La Caisse's private equity portfolio experienced a 4.3% decline in the first half of 2026, significantly underperforming a benchmark that rose 8.0%, suggesting a divergence between public market AI enthusiasm and private equity performance.

Despite some caution, the growth of AI and related technologies continues to attract capital and generate deal momentum. The Crunchbase Unicorn Board saw 40 new companies added in July, the highest monthly count in four years, with financial services, robotics, AI orchestration, multimodal AI, energy, and semiconductors leading the charge. This surge in new unicorns reflects a broader trend where demand for AI infrastructure is driving deal activity in engineering sectors. In a significant potential software deal, Silver Lake is reportedly in talks to take Workday private in a transaction that could be one of the largest software buyouts to date.

Strategic Shifts and Investor Focus

Strategic shifts are also evident among major investment entities. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has outlined a strategy for 2026-2030 that prioritizes value realization and active ownership, signaling a greater role for private investors in its future endeavors. In the US, the Weymouth Retirement Board has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for private equity co-investment managers, indicating a focus on strategic partnerships within the public pension fund's investment approach.

Within specific industry verticals, private equity firms are actively pursuing opportunities. Butterfly Equity, Graham Partners, and Wise Equity are among those engaging with nutraceuticals assets. In the interior design sector, Charger-backed Wolf-Gordon has acquired two providers of interior surfaces: Andor Willow and Walls & Interiors. The drone industry is also drawing attention, with venture capitalists identifying ten drone startups to watch in 2026. For founders and venture capitalists, networking remains crucial, with London hosting a range of meetups designed to foster connections within the startup ecosystem. European fintech, however, faces ongoing challenges related to its culture.