Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Capital Markets

Private equity firms are actively raising substantial capital, with Abu Dhabi's MGX securing nearly $50 billion for AI infrastructure and technology investments. Menlo Ventures has closed its largest capital raise ever, amassing $3 billion across two funds to back AI startups from seed to growth stages across the AI spectrum. Seedcamp is also expanding its U.S. footprint with a new $320 million fund to bolster its presence, while Valor Equity Partners is reportedly seeking $2.5 billion for its seventh fund as it targets new ventures. On the public markets front, Luxshare Precision Industry is exploring a Hong Kong listing that could raise approximately $3 billion, a move that signals a potential revival for the city's IPO market amidst investor interest.

M&A Activity & Exits

The market is seeing a flurry of acquisitions and exits across various sectors. In Japan, Advent International is making its debut with the acquisition of home care provider Japan Wellbeing from MBK Partners marking its entry. Blackstone and Bain Capital are reportedly advancing in the bidding for Fuji Media's property arm, a deal potentially worth $6.3 billion and could be Japan's largest property transaction on record seeking to expand holdings. Tikehau is exiting its stake in Aubert & Duval, which will be sold to Airbus and Safran in a strategic divestment. Bain Capital is also taking a majority 51% stake in propulsion and decarbonization products provider Everllence from the Volkswagen Group in a €7.4 billion carve-out strengthening its portfolio. In the restaurant sector, Bessemer-backed Mas Restaurant Group is selling 43 Taco Bell locations in Ohio to Southpaw a franchise divestiture.

Software & Technology Investments

Private equity continues to pour into the software and IT services sectors. Thoma Bravo has made a growth investment in Padoa, a European provider of occupational health, safety, and prevention software bolstering its health tech arm. Apheon is acquiring Belgian business software and managed IT services provider Easi to expand its reach. In a move to bolster data governance, Omni-backed Infoshare has acquired 3C Consultants and Infoboss enhancing its compliance offerings. Light Bay Capital is backing Texas-based IT managed services provider Centre Technologies to support its growth. Meanwhile, AI continues to be a major focus, with XCures landing $46 million in Series B financing to streamline medical records with AI leveraging artificial intelligence.

Sector-Specific Investments & Trends

The live events sector is attracting significant private equity interest, with firms like Apollo, Hellman & Friedman, and Platinum Equity investing as the global market is projected to exceed $1.2 trillion by 2032 capitalizing on market growth. In the automotive sector, One Equity-backed PGW is acquiring automotive glass firm Windshield Surgeons expanding its distribution network. Brightstar Capital is acquiring healthcare architecture firm Erdman, which will become an add-on to its portfolio company KZF Design enhancing its healthcare offerings. Ambienta has signed an exit from French environmental services provider Cap Vert to Gimv a strategic sale.

Fund Finance & Secondaries Market

The fund finance landscape is evolving with an increased appetite from institutional investors and the proliferation of bespoke structures, accelerating change in the market according to industry experts. In the secondaries market, Pantheon's infrastructure secondaries funds are among the largest in the sector ahead of final closes building significant fund sizes. Flexstone Partners is set to acquire Glouston Capital Partners, creating a $15 billion private markets platform consolidating its market position. ADIC has hired a senior secondaries professional to oversee its portfolio, signaling expansion in that unit focused on secondary investments. Investors are increasingly concerned about "zombie funds" – tail-end vehicles holding assets – amid liquidity pressures and differentiation challenges for GPs a persistent market issue.

Venture Capital & Startups

The European startup ecosystem is seeing notable funding rounds and strategic shifts. Health unicorn Alan has raised €480 million in a Series G round led by Prosus a significant funding boost. German car subscription company Finn has achieved unicorn status joining the elite valuation club. In a testament to the ongoing importance of AI, Deep Mind has selected a startup for its robotics accelerator, which has now raised an $11.7 million seed round backed by leading investors. The British Business Bank is backing 10 venture capital funds with a £90 million allocation and is also eyeing a stake in the EU’s €5 billion Scaleup Fund supporting the ecosystem.

Distressed Assets & Portfolio Management

The issue of tail-end assets, often referred to as "zombie funds," remains a concern for limited partners, with some pension systems, like Virginia's state pension, reducing their private equity targets due to volatility concerns revising allocation strategies. Apollo's flagship retail credit fund is only able to meet 5% of redemption requests due to its quarterly limits, indicating potential liquidity challenges facing redemption pressures. MBK Partners' Godiva Japan is in talks to extend the repayment deadline on its leveraged buyout debt seeking loan extensions.

Geographic & Sectoral Focus

Japan is emerging as a key market for private equity investments, particularly in AI data centers, with Blackstone planning a $30 billion investment over the next three to five years. The firm is also reportedly in discussions with Dubai Holding for its European data center platform, Hscale seeking new capital. In Europe, software specialist Main Capital is opening a London office following a €5.25 billion raise, focusing on 'mission-critical companies' less affected by market volatility expanding its European presence. The UK's startup scene is also under scrutiny, with discussions around its future direction and potential government support evaluating startup policies. Investors are also eyeing opportunities in nascent sectors like nuclear startups amid a scramble for sovereign energy solutions exploring energy innovation.

Operational & Strategic Moves

Several firms are making strategic hires and operational changes. TPG has appointed Axel André as Partner and Chief Financial Officer, with Jack Weingart transitioning to lead the firm's global wealth solutions business a leadership reshuffle. HIG Capital has appointed Carlos Couret as managing director and head of lower mid-market private equity in Spain strengthening its Iberian presence. In the sports sector, Juggernaut Capital Partners is teaming up with Gareth Bale to pursue a controlling stake in a football club, with plans to expand into golf and women's sports entering the sports arena. KKR-owned Arctos Partners is backing a $288 million Tennessee stadium district development as part of its push into college sports investing in sports infrastructure.