Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

AI & Venture Capital Momentum

The artificial intelligence boom continues to fuel venture capital, with AI startups securing significant funding and driving dealmaking. Deep Mind alumni are launching new AI labs, with one seeking $400 million for its venture, while others are capitalizing on AI for financial applications, with a Prague-based lab founded by ex-Deep Mind researchers now valued at over $500 million quant hedge funds. This surge is prompting new strategies, such as Omnea's challenge to traditional venture models, offering employees funds to start their own ventures. Meanwhile, Tapestry VC closed an $80 million fund to back repeat European founders, anticipating a wave of AI exits. The broader startup ecosystem saw Europe produce one unicorn per week, signaling a new model for billion-dollar companies.

Private Equity Dealmaking & Sector Focus

Private equity firms have been active across diverse sectors, with a notable focus on services, technology, and infrastructure. Platinum Equity will invest, which operates 31 stores across four states. In the healthcare IT space, GTCR-backed Experity acquired Exdion, and Peak Rock scooped up. Industrial services also saw activity, with Truelink Capital investing in Horwitz MEP services and Monomoy Capital acquiring Jiffy Lube for $1.3 billion. In infrastructure, KKR is acquiring EDF's North American renewables arm for $4.2 billion, marking a significant clean-energy bet. Elsewhere, IK Partners will open to expand its European presence.

Direct Lending & Fundraises

Capital raising remains strong, particularly in direct lending, as funds concentrate with larger players. Hayfin Capital Management raised over $17.1 billion for its flagship direct lending fund. In equity, Hamilton Lane closed its sixth direct equity fund at $3.8 billion, its largest to date. Ardian is also active, packaging secondaries stakes into a $1 billion debt vehicle. In the venture capital space, Magnify Ventures secured $46.6 million for its second fund, with backing from Melinda French Gates' Pivotal Ventures.

Secondary Market Activity & Continuation Vehicles

The secondary market is seeing increased investor comfort with fund financing in continuation vehicles (CVs). Buyers are increasingly sourcing fund financing for CVs to optimize returns, according to speakers at the European Fund Finance Symposium secondaries investors grow comfortable. Behrman completed a $250 million continuation fund for Shurco, with Coller Capital leading the investment. The ILPA has updated its guidance for continuation vehicles to reflect an evolving market ILPA updates CV guidance.

AI's Impact on Software & Strategy

Artificial intelligence is profoundly reshaping the private equity software sector, exposing vulnerabilities and creating uncertainty. The current "Saa Spocalypse" highlights the need for investors to identify managers capable of navigating this dynamic environment AI upending private equity’s. This shift is also influencing HR and finance departments, forcing them to collaborate more closely to manage headcount and integrate AI tools headcount paradox. In the UK, efforts to bolster the AI strategy have faced backlash, indicating potential regulatory hurdles Andy Burnham's plan sparks.

European Expansion & Strategic Investments

European firms are pursuing international growth and strategic investments. Bending Spoons priced its $1.68 billion Nasdaq IPO above its range, with founders emphasizing a strategy of minimizing luck and acquiring established tech brands Bending Spoons CEO. Nordic Capital-backed Regnology is expanding into the U.S. by acquiring Fed Reporter Regnology to buy Fed Reporter. CVC is increasing its presence in the packaging sector with the acquisition of Clevertech CVC agrees to acquire.

Defense Industry & Government Capital

Private capital is positioned to accelerate the UK's defense industry, though it should complement, not replace, government funding private capital will accelerator. Investors are eyeing opportunities in defense-related strategies, anticipating significant spending over the next decade LPs looking for defence-related. However, startups and VCs remain divided on the UK's defense investment plan startups VCs divided.

Healthcare & Medical Investments

The healthcare sector is showing signs of recovery, with PE investors finding opportunities in medical education and services. The global need for healthcare professionals presents a tailwind for PE in medical education medical education gap presents. In services, Parthenon backed patient support and THL-backed Headlands Research acquired. The sector is seeing stable conditions after a difficult period healthcare investments reach.

Infrastructure & Energy Investments

Infrastructure and energy continue to attract private equity capital. KKR is taking control of a $1.3 billion SK renewables platform in South Korea to support the country's AI build-out. In Poland, CVC DIF exited its wind portfolio to Actis. Meanwhile, Brookfield expanded its financing with Bloom Energy to $25 billion for AI infrastructure power.

Consumer & Retail Transactions

Consumer-facing businesses are also seeing PE activity. Riverside Company sold organic candy brand YumEarth to ACON Investments. Cinven is backing the merger of Vitamin Well and EMPWR in a consumer sector play. IVEST and Cloverlay are selling the Care Bears franchise to Authentic Brands Group after quadrupling its business Cloverlay sell Care Bears.

Geopolitical Tensions & Fund Mandates

Geopolitical tensions are influencing investment strategies, particularly in the defense sector. The European Union's proposed €5 billion superfund for the UK has faced objections, with France pushing for specific terms EU offers quota deal. Meanwhile, public pension funds are weighing significant private equity allocations, with Colorado PERA considering a pullback after underperformance, and MWRA issuing an RFP.

Venture Capital Firm Updates

Venture capital firms are adapting their strategies and fundraising efforts. Ashton Kutcher is launching with Morgan Beller, focusing on AI infrastructure. Ex-Speedinvest partner Rick Hao for deeptech startups. Tapestry VC also launched an $80 million fund targeting repeat European founders. The industry is grappling with data quality, with arguments for venture capital firms using AI the wrong way.

Market Trends & Investor Conviction

Despite market turbulence, investors are showing strong conviction in private equity. The Global Investor 150 ranking shows leading allocators maintaining significant commitments GI 150: leading allocators. The top 10 investors on the ranking collectively manage $1.1 trillion in private equity allocations Global Investor 150:. This conviction persists even as some funds are exploring longer holding periods to transform market segments Generation IM corrals $1.