Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Fund Activity

Blackstone's private wealth fund posted its strongest-ever monthly return, fueled by a significant stake in AI developer Anthropic. This surge highlights the growing investor appetite for AI-related ventures within private equity portfolios. In a separate transaction, Eurazeo exited its Spanish hotel portfolio, selling FST Hotels to European hospitality specialist Extendam, signaling a shift or realization of gains in the European real estate sector. Meanwhile, JFLCO-backed Wrist Group expanded its footprint by acquiring maritime logistics provider MSA, underscoring continued consolidation in niche industrial services. Truelink Capital also made its first platform investment from Fund II, backing Horwitz, a provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services for complex facilities, indicating continued interest in essential infrastructure and services.

Venture Capital & Startup Funding

European venture capital is experiencing a dynamic period, with one unicorn emerging weekly as a new model for billion-dollar startups. This trend is supported by initiatives like the 30-year EU program that turns startup placements into patents EU initiative. Despite this momentum, some venture firms are reportedly splitting over limiting non-European investments, hinting at internal debates regarding geographic focus. In the AI space, ElevenLabs is reportedly seeking a $22 billion valuation through a new share sale, while King's Cross in London is becoming a hub for AI labs AI labs in King's Cross. Melinda French Gates' Pivotal Ventures is backing Magnify Ventures' $46.6 million Fund II, demonstrating continued LP commitment to early-stage firms. Separately, Thiel Capital's Jack Selby is raising a $300 million second fund for Copper Sky Capital, with stakes in startups like Etched. U.S. startups also saw significant funding, with energy and AI sectors leading the way during a recent holiday-shortened week, though specific round sizes were truncated in reporting.

Sector-Specific Investments & Expansions

The digital infrastructure sector in Europe is showing significant momentum, with Sandbrook announcing a €200 million investment in Krios, a platform focused on developing grid-secured land for large-scale data centers. This aligns with increasing demand for AI-related physical infrastructure. In software, Main Capital Volpi Capital are active in dealmaking. Nordic Capital-backed Regnology is acquiring Fed Reporter to expand its regulatory technology platform into the U.S. market. Platinum Equity is set to invest in retailer Grand Appliance, which operates 31 locations across several Midwestern states. GTCR-backed Experity has acquired Exdion Healthcare, further consolidating the on-demand healthcare technology platform sector. Corten and Ampersand have acquired Beacon Intelligence, a provider of structured data on early-stage drug development, indicating continued investment in life sciences data. Parthenon is backing Momentum Life Sciences, a patient support solutions provider, with existing leadership retaining significant stakes.

Secondaries Market & LP Activity

The secondaries market is seeing shifts, with Evercore adding talent in Asia from Harbour Vest to bolster its capabilities. Discussions around continuation vehicles are ongoing, with a focus on self-governance to avoid potential regulatory intervention continuation vehicle guidance. One of Japan's prominent LPs is reportedly on the move, a significant development in the Asian investor landscape. Concerns about blurred investment lines may also benefit larger private capital firms. Additionally, the Town of Wellesley is actively seeking an investment consultant retirement board.

Manager Expansions & Strategic Bets

IK Partners is opening a Madrid office, appointing Gonzalo Fernandez-Albiñana as a partner effective September 1, signaling expansion into the Iberian market. Garnett Station is reportedly collecting bids for Goodturn Tire, while Keystone has exited an HVAC company to Harvest. Andy Burnham's plan to overhaul AI strategy has sparked backlash, highlighting the complex political and economic considerations surrounding AI development. Founders are also exploring "physical AI" bets physical AI bets, suggesting a growing focus on the tangible applications of artificial intelligence.