Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Global Private Equity Activity

Private equity firms are navigating a complex global environment, with shifts in investor sentiment and strategic repositioning evident across key markets. In China, a market reset is underway, potentially creating more disciplined opportunities for limited partners who maintain conviction in the region's long-term potential. Meanwhile, European firms are demonstrating varied approaches, with Eurazeo surpassing its target for its largest-ever secondaries vehicle, raising €2.3 billion, more than double its predecessor fund. The firm also exited its Spanish hotel portfolio to Extendam, a specialist in hospitality-focused private equity.

AI Fuels Unicorn Growth & Fund Performance

The artificial intelligence boom continues to mint new unicorns and drive exceptional returns for prominent private equity funds. Nearly 90 startups have achieved unicorn status this year, propelled by investor enthusiasm for AI technologies. This trend directly benefited Blackstone's private wealth fund, which posted its strongest-ever monthly return, largely due to its stake in AI developer Anthropic. Separately, AI voice technology firm ElevenLabs is targeting a $22 billion valuation with a new share sale, signaling continued high investor interest in the sector.

Tech & Infrastructure Investments

Technology and digital infrastructure remain key areas of focus for private equity, although some firms are re-evaluating their geographic investment mandates. Bending Spoons, the largely unknown owner of AOL and Vimeo, has served over a billion people across its product portfolio, illustrating the vast reach of some privately held tech companies. In European digital infrastructure, Sandbrook committed €200 million to Krios, a platform developing land for large-scale data centers. However, a dispute has emerged among ETCI-backed VC firms over a plan to limit non-European investments, suggesting internal debates on global strategy.

Secondaries Market & Consultant Services

The secondaries market is seeing increased activity and talent expansion, while public entities are actively seeking expert guidance. Evercore has added secondaries talent in Asia, filling a key role previously held by a Harbour Vest director. This expansion reflects growing demand for secondary market advisory services. On the public sector side, the Town of Wellesley is seeking an investment consultant for its retirement board and Other Post-Employment Benefits trust, a standard process for municipal entities managing significant pension assets. The European Union's 30-year initiative, which translates startup placements into patents, also highlights ongoing efforts to foster innovation and intellectual property development within the region EU initiative.