Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Exits

Private equity firms are actively raising new capital and pursuing significant exits. Valor Equity Partners is seeking to raise a $2.5 billion Fund VII, while Menlo Ventures has closed on $3 billion across two new funds, its largest capital raise in 50 years, specifically to back AI startups. Seedcamp also closed on $320 million across two funds, expanding its US footprint. On the exit front, Providence Equity Partners is in exclusive talks to sell theatre group ATG Entertainment for approximately $6 billion. Separately, Ara Partners plans to sell Vacuumschmelze to Energy Fuels for $1.9 billion, and Acorn Capital is divesting Berry Aviation for $105 million to Bristow Group. TPG Capital is exiting its Australian drinks and dairy producer Made Group in a $1.4 billion sale to Danone, and CVC Capital Partners is weighing a €6 billion exit from Cooper Consumer Health.

Sector Focus: Technology & AI

Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, continues to be a major focus for private equity and venture capital. Blackstone is preparing to invest $30 billion in Japan's AI data center infrastructure over the next three to five years. In the AI software space, XCures, which uses AI to streamline medical records, secured $46 million in a Series B round led by Innovius Capital. Thoma Bravo is backing Padoa, a European provider of occupational health software. Meanwhile, DeepMind has backed a robotics startup that raised an $11.7 million seed round. The ongoing debate about AI valuations persists, with venture capitalists discussing "ARR inflation". In a significant move, Menlo Ventures leveraged its successful investment in Anthropic to raise $3 billion for AI startups. Europe is also doubling down on its own AI infrastructure, with a focus on building domestic capabilities and addressing talent needs.

Data Centers & Infrastructure

The demand for data center infrastructure, fueled by AI growth, is attracting substantial investment. Bain Capital is seeking fresh capital for its European data center platform Hscale, with Dubai Holding reportedly weighing a stake. This aligns with Blackstone's substantial $30 billion commitment to Japan's AI data center market. The need for robust infrastructure is highlighted by former Meta CTO Mike Schroepfer, who states that "infrastructure is the moat" for hard tech companies.

Software & IT Services

The software sector remains a resilient area for private equity investment, with a focus on mission-critical applications. Main Capital is expanding its London office after raising €5.25 billion for its focus on 'mission-critical companies,' which are perceived as less affected by AI-driven market volatility. Apheon is acquiring Easi, a Belgian provider of business software and managed IT services. Other software investments include ACP backing Schneider Geospatial, a provider of GIS-based Saa S solutions, and Incline Equity investing in West Physics, a medical and health physics testing provider.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

The healthcare sector continues to see private equity activity, with AI playing an increasing role in drug discovery and patient data management. Mérieux noted that AI accelerates drug discovery by enabling faster screening of compounds. XCures is using AI to organize messy medical records, raising $46 million. In life sciences outsourcing, PE-backed Life Science Connect is forming a biopharma outsourcing platform through acquisitions. Brightstar Capital has acquired Erdman, a healthcare architecture firm, as an add-on to its portfolio company KZF Design.

Live Events & Entertainment

The live events sector is experiencing a surge in private equity interest, driven by its increasing popularity. Firms like Apollo, and Platinum Equity are actively investing in this space, with the global market projected to exceed $1.2 trillion by 2032. Juggernaut Capital Partners is teaming up with former footballer Gareth Bale to pursue a stake in a football club. Meanwhile, KKR-owned Arctos is backing a $288 million stadium district development in college sports.

Fund Finance & Secondaries

The fund finance landscape is evolving with a more diverse toolkit and increased institutional investor appetite. The secondaries market is also active, with Flexstone Partners set to acquire Glouston Capital Partners, forming a $15 billion private markets platform. Pantheon has surpassed its target for its infrastructure secondaries fund. Investors are showing interest in secondaries, with ADIC hiring for its secondaries unit and INVL Family Office launching a fund with Adams Street Partners to provide clients access to the secondary market. Swedish insurer LF is also exploring private debt secondaries.

Franchise & Consumer

Investments in franchises and consumer brands are continuing. Orangewood Partners is among those betting on franchises, with AI transforming customer feedback and service in restaurants and retail. Great Hill is investing in the pet grooming franchise Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. L Catterton has taken a significant minority stake in the clean haircare brand RŌZ.

Industrial & Manufacturing

The industrial and manufacturing sectors are seeing strategic investments and acquisitions. Huron Capital-backed Exigent has acquired Superior Building Services. New Mountain is investing in engineering firm RRC Companies, and Teleo Capital has acquired Modersys, a pharma manufacturing intelligence platform. Platinum Equity is set to acquire manufacturer Tangent Technologies. Greybull Stewardship has acquired Genesys Industries, uniting three manufacturing brands.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

While not a dominant theme, some infrastructure plays are emerging. Blackstone is committing significant capital to data centers in Japan. Pantheon is seeing strong performance in its infrastructure secondaries funds.

Other Notable Deals & Trends

Quad-C is investing in logistics platform Armstrong Transport Group. Reverence Capital is investing in CPA firm Eide Bailly. Investcorp is acquiring a majority stake in UK facilities management firm Smart Managed Solutions for over $200 million. HIG Capital has appointed Carlos Couret as managing director and head of lower mid-market private equity in Spain. Berkshire Partners is investing in Harbourfront Wealth Group for C$1.775 billion. In a notable development, Castlelake has taken its takeover proposal for easy Jet directly to shareholders after the board rejected multiple approaches. The issue of "zombie funds" or tail-end assets remains a concern for limited partners.