Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 11:32 PM ET

Technology & Venture Capital Activity

The technology sector saw a significant initial public offering with Italian company Bending Spoons surging 40% on its first day of trading on Nasdaq. The company, which has built its success on acquiring and revitalizing established internet brands, priced its IPO at $29.00 per share, above its initial range, raising approximately $1.68 billion for its backers Bending Spoons prices $1.68bn Nasdaq IPO. Meanwhile, venture capital continues to adapt, with Ashton Kutcher launching alongside Morgan Beller, focusing on the infrastructure supporting AI companies, a shift from his previous firm's direct bets on AI labs. In a move challenging traditional venture models, AI startup Omnea will offer employees $250,000 to plan their next startup, aiming to cultivate future founders. The year 2026 has continued to see notable tech layoffs, with over 127,000 workers at U.S. tech companies having been affected by mass job cuts since 2025 Tech layoffs continue into 2026.

Private Equity Dealmaking & Fundraisings

Private equity firms have been active across various sectors. KKR agreed to acquire the North American renewables arm of French utility EDF for $4.2 billion, marking a substantial bet on clean energy. In a similar vein, KKR is also taking control of a $1.3 billion South Korean renewable energy platform to support the nation's AI infrastructure build-out KKR takes control of renewables platform. The automotive sector saw acquisitions, with WILsquare-backed Automotive Color & Ohio Paint Supply, expanding its distribution network. In the quick-service sector, Monomoy Capital acquired Jiffy Lube from a Shell USA subsidiary for $1.3 billion.

In the fund management space, Hamilton Lane closed its sixth direct equity fund at $3.8 billion, its largest to date. Ardian is packaging approximately $1 billion of its secondhand fund stakes into a debt vehicle, capitalizing on the booming CFO market. The secondaries market is also seeing increased comfort with fund financing, with buyers optimizing returns by sourcing this for continuation vehicles Secondaries investors grow comfortable. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is seeking proposals for a private equity buyout mandate, with plans to commit up to $20 billion MWRA seeks PE buyout mandate.

Sector-Specific Investments & Exits

The energy transition and AI infrastructure are significant investment themes. Ardian plans to invest over €3 billion in Nordic data centers through its portfolio company Verne. Brookfield significantly expanded its financing with Bloom Energy to $25 billion, a fivefold increase, to build and finance power for AI infrastructure. In the chip sector, Ardian Semiconductor is investing in French AI chip designer VSORA, which focuses on inference accelerators for data centers Ardian Semiconductor takes minority stake.

Healthcare and medical services remain a focus. Frazier Healthcare Partners named Stephen Krupa as executive in residence for its buyout team. THL-backed Headlands Research acquired Clinical Trials Research, expanding its clinical trial site network. The medical education gap is also presenting opportunities for PE investors Medical education gap presents. The medical device sector is showing signs of recovery after a challenging period Healthcare investments reach stable.

In other sectors, Inflexion sold aerospace components manufacturer Avantus Aerospace to Arcline. Wynnchurch Capital and HIG Capital were involved in the exit of aerospace components business PFG. Triton is in exclusive talks to acquire Bureau Veritas’ global fuel testing and inspection business for €470 million, a sector attracting significant PE interest due to its predictable revenues talks for fuel testing. CVC Capital Partners agreed to acquire Italian industrial automation group Clevertech, with the founding family reinvesting.

Venture Capital Trends & Spinouts

European venture capital is seeing new fund launches and a focus on repeat founders. Tapestry VC closed an $80 million third fund to back European repeat founders, anticipating future AI exits to generate a new generation of experienced entrepreneurs Tapestry VC launches $80m. Ex-Speedinvest partner Rick Hao has also launched a $50 million solo GP fund for deeptech startups Rick Hao closes $50m. The UK government is planning to back scaleups with £400 million annually British Business Bank.

University spinouts are also attracting attention, with the University of Edinburgh seeking capital for its spinouts. Deep Mind and Gensyn angels have backed Xylo in a £2.8 million raise. The European deeptech sector has already hit a record annual investment level within the first six months of the year European deeptech investment hits.

Investor Landscape & Market Sentiment

The broader investor landscape shows continued conviction in private equity despite market turbulence. The Global Investor 150 ranking highlights the largest LP allocators, with the top 10 investors holding $1.1 trillion in private equity allocations Global Investor 150: Top 10. Canada's BCI has tripled its PE exposure, and LPs on the 2026 Global Investor 150 ranking demonstrate strong commitment to the asset class Leading allocators show conviction. However, some pension funds are weighing pullbacks. Colorado PERA is considering reducing its private equity exposure following underperformance, with consultants noting that this sentiment is not unique among LPs falling short of benchmarks.

The European Union's €5 billion EU Scaleup Fund is facing internal political headwinds, with France seeking to block the UK's role in the initiative France seeks to block. Meanwhile, the EBRD has surpassed €10.5 billion in financing for Ukraine, with over €500 million in new agreements signed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference EBRD passes €10.5bn in Ukraine.