Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Fundraising

The private equity sector is witnessing a surge in new unicorns, with nearly 90 startups achieving this billion-dollar valuation mark so far this year, largely fueled by investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence nearly 90 new unicorns. This AI-driven boom is also propelling established funds to new heights; Blackstone's private wealth fund posted its strongest-ever monthly return, significantly boosted by its investment in AI developer Anthropic. In Europe, the trend of billion-dollar startups is gaining momentum, with a model emerging that sees one unicorn created weekly across the continent one unicorn week. This growth is happening against a backdrop of increased venture capital activity, though some European VC firms are reportedly at odds over plans to limit non-European investments VC firms split.

European Tech & Infrastructure Investments

Europe's digital infrastructure sector is experiencing "significant momentum," according to Sandbrook Capital, which recently announced a €200 million investment in Krios, a platform focused on developing grid-secured land for large-scale data center projects. This development aligns with the broader trend of AI labs establishing significant presences, with areas like London's King's Cross becoming hubs for these advanced technology firms AI labs taking over. Meanwhile, established European software investors like Main Capital and Volpi Capital are also active in the deal space Main Capital, Volpi Capital. The continent's innovation ecosystem is further supported by long-standing initiatives, such as a 30-year EU program focused on transforming startup research into patents startup placements into patents.

Startup Valuations & AI Advancements

Artificial intelligence continues to be a major driver of startup valuations, with companies like Eleven Labs reportedly seeking a $22 billion valuation through a new share sale ElevenLabs targets $22bn. This high valuation reflects the intense investor interest in AI capabilities, contributing to the rapid creation of new unicorns across the venture capital landscape almost 90 new unicorns. Bending Spoons, a lesser-known entity that owns platforms like AOL and Vimeo, has already served over a billion users globally, illustrating the scale of reach achieved by some private technology companies what Bending Spoons.

Secondary Markets & Consultant Services

The private equity secondary market is seeing strategic talent acquisition, with Evercore hiring secondaries talent in Asia from Harbour Vest to bolster its regional presence. This move comes as institutional investors continue to seek specialized expertise in navigating complex secondary transactions. In parallel, public pension funds are actively searching for advisory services; the Town of Wellesley is seeking an investment consultant for its retirement board and Other Post-Employment Benefits trust, indicating ongoing due diligence and strategic planning within public sector endowments.

Exits & Hospitality Investments

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, a European specialist in hospitality-focused private equity. This transaction demonstrates continued activity within the hospitality sector, with specialized firms like Extendam playing a role in consolidating or acquiring assets. The ongoing portfolio management and deal flow highlight a dynamic market where firms are both divesting existing assets and seeking new investment opportunities.