Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Fundraising Activity & Investor Focus

Private equity firms are actively raising substantial capital, with Paradigm raising $1.2 billion for a fund that will extend beyond crypto into AI and robotics. Similarly, Vermilion Cliffs Ventures closed a $25 million Fund II, targeting startups in AI and security. In the mid-market, CVC Capital Partners closed its Catalyst III fund at €3 billion, nearly double its initial target, signaling continued investor appetite for European mid-cap opportunities. On the secondaries front, Eurazeo surpassed its target for its largest-ever vehicle, raising €2.3 billion. Investor intentions show a growing interest in specific sectors, with L1 Impact targeting $100 million across four funds focusing on social impact in the Middle East and India, and Novo Holdings mulling allocations for private equity GPs to manage, particularly in energy and Asia.

Technology & AI Investments

The artificial intelligence sector continues to attract significant investment. EdVisorly secured $13.3 million in Series A funding to scale its AI-native platform for college transfers. backing voice AI startup, contributing to its seed round exceeding $100 million. Meanwhile, Norm, an AI law startup, raised $120 million, achieving a $1.2 billion valuation. The transformative impact of AI on software is a key theme, with Amadeus Capital Partners' Anne Glover predicting that AI will make some Saa S providers obsolete. Separately, Hive raised $15 million for its 'silicon brain' technology designed to significantly cut machine operating costs.

Sector-Specific Acquisitions & Investments

Private equity firms are actively acquiring and investing across a range of industries. In the HR technology space, Shore Capital acquired ThrivePass, and Bridgepoint backed Skello with a €200 million minority investment to support its AI-powered HR management software. The industrial sector saw Tricor Pacific Capital acquire, planning to merge it with a portfolio company to create a North American maintenance welding platform. River Associates acquired auto, which designs performance parts for off-road vehicles. In energy transition, Blackstone acquired Dresser Utility Solutions from First Reserve, marking the first deal for its new energy transition fund. Permira is backing Iberian engineering group Quadrante in its second energy transition deal.

Healthcare & Life Sciences Transactions

The healthcare sector remains a consistent area of private equity activity. acquire health tech firm from Resmed. In life sciences, NMS-backed Surplus Solutions acquired, a provider of equipment lifecycle management solutions. Renovus-backed TJP acquired life. Furthermore, EQT is acquiring Corza Medical's biosurgery unit from GTCR, including the Tacho Sil product portfolio.

Infrastructure & Industrial Services

Investments in infrastructure and industrial services are also prominent. Recognize made a majority, which operates across the U.S. new naval services platform, combining two portfolio companies. Agellus Capital-backed CompassMSP acquired, and Capitol Meridian acquired national. In environmental services, I Squared is acquiring.

Sports & Entertainment Deals

The sports sector is increasingly attracting private equity attention, with Blue Owl Capital acquiring a minority stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers through its Home Court Partners fund. This marks the sixth NBA franchise the fund has backed. The golf simulation company Full Swing is being sold by Bruin Capital to Versant Media for $530 million.

Financial Services & Professional Services

In financial services, KKR and TA Associates-backed Söderberg is acquiring Schroders' advice arm Benchmark. The accounting sector is seeing consolidation, with Unity Partners acquiring Meaden, an accounting and forensic services firm. Capmont is carving out, a fluoropolymer manufacturer serving various high-tech sectors.

Market Trends & Investor Strategies

Investor strategies are evolving amidst current market conditions. Temasek intends to increase allocations to AI, private credit, and infrastructure assets. The challenge of fundraising in a more demanding environment is noted, with Asante Capital highlighting the importance of trust between managers and investors. Step Stone Group's Scott Hart suggests the private equity model is not broken, but the perception of uniform success is fading. Some investors are also looking to capitalize on illiquidity, as KKR's Arctos is doing. There is also a notable trend in Asian markets, with China's private equity landscape undergoing a reset potentially leading to more disciplined opportunities.

Other Notable Transactions

Several other transactions across diverse sectors were reported. CVC agreed to the sale of D-Marin, which operates marinas across EMEA. Lone Star Funds is acquiring Conti Tech from Continental for €4 billion, a significant deal in the industrial materials sector. Apheon acquired French frozen snack group Alma, signaling continued interest in the food sector. Wynnchurch-backed Principal Industries acquired, a provider of LED components. Sentinel acquired cake decorations. In a sector-specific move, eyeing industrial decarbonization opportunities.