Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

AI & Venture Capital Dealmaking

The artificial intelligence boom continues to fuel significant venture capital activity, with startups globally attracting over $200 billion in the latest quarter, marking the second-highest on record. This surge is underscored by AI labs like Deep Mind and Gensyn angels backing Xylo in a £2.8 million raise, and the emergence of new AI-focused funds. Ashton Kutcher is leaving Sound Ventures to launch a new VC firm with Morgan Beller, aiming to invest in AI infrastructure. Meanwhile, Eleven Labs is reportedly seeking a $22 billion valuation through a new share sale. The broader market shows strong conviction in private equity, with the top 10 investors on the Global Investor 150 ranking allocating $1.1 trillion to the asset class.

Private Equity Infrastructure & AI Investments

CPP Investments has committed $1.75 billion to EQT's AI infrastructure strategy, anchored by global data center developer Edge Conne X, signaling a major push into the sector. Brookfield has also fivefold increased its financing with Bloom Energy to $25 billion, deepening a partnership aimed at building and financing rapid power for AI infrastructure. European digital infrastructure is experiencing "significant momentum," according to Sandbrook, which in May announced a €200 million investment in Krios, a platform for data center projects. The evolving landscape of AI is also impacting private equity's traditional software targets, with a warning that investors must quickly identify managers capable of thriving in the current environment.

Buyout & Growth Equity Transactions

The buyout market remains active across various sectors. Platinum Equity is set to invest in retailer Grand Appliance, which operates 31 locations across four states. In the automotive services sector, Monomoy Capital is acquiring Jiffy Lube for $1.3 billion from a subsidiary of Shell USA, Inc. Garnett Station is reportedly collecting first-round bids for its auto services provider Goodturn, with potential buyers offering 13x-15x EBITDA. Peak Rock has acquired health tech firm Asembia, which also operates a specialty pharmacy conference. In the industrial services space, Truelink Capital made its first Fund II platform investment in Horwitz, a provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services.

Sector-Specific Deals: Healthcare, Aviation & Renewables

Healthcare investments are showing signs of recovery, with THL-backed Headlands Research acquiring Clinical Trials Research, a clinical trial site network. Parthenon is backing Momentum Life Sciences, a patient support solutions provider. The medical device sector presents opportunities for private equity, particularly in supporting independent service organizations for hospital-based equipment. In aviation, Partners Group is investing $250 million in Avenue Capital’s commercial aviation leasing portfolio through a continuation vehicle. In energy, CVC DIF is selling its Polish wind portfolio, Klara Renewables, to Actis, indicating continued activity in renewable energy infrastructure.

Strategic Exits & Portfolio Management

Private equity firms are actively managing their portfolios through strategic exits. Eurazeo has sold its stake in the Spanish hotel portfolio FST Hotels to Extendam. Inflexion is exiting its investment in aerospace supplier Avantus to Arcline Investment. Xenon Private Equity has agreed to sell Solana, an Italian tomato-processing group, to La Doria. In the consumer sector, IVEST Consumer Partners and Cloverlay are selling Care Bears to Authentic Brands Group. KKR is set to sell its Ocean Yield ship leasing platform to AP Moller.

Financing & Secondaries Market Activity

The secondaries market is seeing increased sophistication in financing. Ardian is packaging secondhand fund stakes into approximately $1 billion of debt through a collateralized fund obligation. Secondaries investors are also becoming more comfortable with fund financing in continuation vehicles, with buyers increasingly asking advisers to source such financing to optimize returns. Behrman has completed a $250 million continuation fund for Shurco, with Coller Capital as the lead investor. Hamilton Lane closed its sixth direct equity fund at $3.8 billion, its largest to date.

European VC & Startup Ecosystem

Europe is demonstrating a new model for billion-dollar startups, with one unicorn emerging weekly. Despite potential divisions within the European tech ecosystem over non-European investments, the region's startup placement initiatives are yielding patents . Cinven and Bridgepoint-backed Vitamin Well is set to combine with EMPWR, a contract development and manufacturing organization. IK Partners is opening a Madrid office, signaling expansion in the region.

Investor Intentions & Mandates

Institutional investors are actively seeking new mandates. The Town of Wellesley is seeking an investment consultant for its retirement board and Other Post-Employment Benefits trust. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for a private equity buyout mandate, planning to commit up to $20 billion. Japan's largest limited partners are also in motion, with one of the country's most influential LPs reportedly making significant shifts.

Regulatory & Strategic Initiatives

The UK's defence industry is looking to private capital as an accelerator, with panels discussing how investors are eyeing opportunities from an estimated €9 trillion spending spree over the next decade. However, startups and venture capitalists are divided over the UK’s long-awaited defence investment plan. In Europe, a French bid to block the UK from a €5 billion EU fund has sparked backlash, highlighting ongoing intergovernmental financial discussions. The European Union's initiative to convert startup placements into patents over 30 years continues to be a significant driver of innovation.