Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 28, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking and Fundraising

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate startup funding, with several megadeals this week centered on the sector driving another spree. Beyond AI, biotechnology emerged as the second-largest area for startup investment. Berlin-based Peec AI is reportedly seeking a $200 million valuation in its latest fundraising round sources indicate. In a significant development for AI-focused funds, MGX is nearing the close of a nearly $50 billion fund, positioning it as one of the largest such vehicles ever raised for AI investments.

In strategic advisory roles, tennis icon Novak Djokovic has been appointed a global strategic advisor at private equity firm General Atlantic joining the firm. This move signals an increasing trend of high-profile individuals lending their expertise to investment firms.

Sector-Specific Investments and Acquisitions

Private equity firms are actively pursuing opportunities across various sectors. Warburg Pincus is set to acquire Network Plus, a UK-based provider of utility and infrastructure services set to be acquired. In the healthcare space, Archimed, Grovecourt, and Kain Capital are showing interest in radiology deals, while Latticework and Edgehill are backing the acquisition of CDMO brands, including Life Science Connect involved in CDMO deals.

Partners Group-backed Sure Werx has expanded its reach by acquiring Italy's Genesi, a company specializing in safety products for work-at-height and confined spaces acquiring Genesi. Meanwhile, L Catterton is exploring the sale of Thorne, a US supplements maker, with a potential valuation of up to $4 billion, attracting interest from bidders including Unilever exploring Thorne exit. Norwest has invested in East Range Group, a firm focused on high-purity water systems, intending to fuel growth in its people, customers, and capabilities investing in ERG.

In the digital advertising technology sector, Kline Hill led Plaza Ventures' secondary purchase of Stack Adapt. This deal provides Plaza more time with the Canadian company amidst AI-driven market disruptions, with Plaza's initial investment in Stack Adapt considered one of the highest-returning Canadian venture deals on record leading Plaza's deal. Park South Ventures-backed Infinite has acquired Greentarget UK, a communications agency specializing in financial and professional services acquiring Greentarget UK.

Public Market Exits and Strategic Partnerships

Several private equity-backed companies are pursuing or have recently completed public market exits. Reformation, a sustainable womenswear brand majority-owned by Permira, has filed for an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange, marking a potential exit for the firm after approximately seven years filing for IPO. JFLCO-backed Doncasters successfully listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "DPC" going public.

Permira and Warburg Pincus have finalized their $8.4 billion take-private acquisition of Clearwater Analytics, a US-based investment management software provider completing take-private. In a competitive situation, Bain Capital and LY Corporation are preparing a binding offer for Japan's Kakaku.com, challenging EQT's previously indicated interest in the price-comparison group preparing rival bid.

Long-Term Investment Strategies and Sector Trends

Public pension funds are outlining their private equity pacing plans for the coming years. Ohio STRS, for instance, has set a plan to invest up to $1.5 billion in new private equity commitments for fiscal year 2027 setting pacing plan. Lincoln International and Apollo are highlighting smart city assets as offering decades-long growth opportunities, characterized by high growth rates and strong valuation outcomes due to favorable market tailwinds smart cities growth.

In a notable strategic relationship, CPP Investments and Blackstone Credit & Insurance have committed to providing flexible funding to Element Fleet Management through a new program anchoring Element's funding. Separately, Revolut has adjusted its remote work policy for graduates, requiring them to work from the office more frequently dialing back remote work.

Venture Capital and Emerging Opportunities

The venture capital landscape continues to see activity in seed rounds, with several missed in the first half of the year seed rounds in H1. Voice-controlled drone startup Lakestar and Seedcamp have backed a company in this emerging technology space backed Lakestar. French and Benelux startups generating over €100 million in revenue represent a significant segment of the European market generating €100m+. Discussions are ongoing among investors regarding strategies to increase funding for Black-founded startups, with six investors offering advice on how the venture industry can better support these founders funding Black founders.