Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 11, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Fundraising Activity and Dealmaking

Private equity fundraising saw a record second quarter, buoyed by a significant $49bn raise for MGX Fund I in June. This surge contributed to Europe posting its strongest venture funding quarter in four years, with European startups raising $24 billion in Q2, a roughly one-third increase. Harbour Vest Partners closed its seventh direct co-investment program, HCF VII, at $4.75bn, exceeding its target closed seventh co-investment programme. In the secondaries market, activity is expected to pick up in the second half of the year after a volatile first half, with Schroders anticipating a threefold increase in GP-led volumes. Several institutional investors are also seeking consultants and funds, with the Minnesota State Board of Investment issuing an RFP for investment consulting services, and Korean entities like the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention Fund and Korean Teachers' Credit Union looking to commit significant amounts to domestic blind funds in 2026.

Sector-Specific Investments and Trends

AI and cybersecurity infrastructure drew significant venture funding, with two billion-dollar deals leading the pack this week. AI continues to dominate venture funding, accounting for five of the ten largest announced rounds. Several firms are targeting the primary care sector, including Apollo, Kain, and OMERS, while KKR launched a new platform, Allyntra, to focus on medical device innovation. In the HR tech space, Shore Capital, Lightyear, and Bridgepoint signed deals. Ares is backing Firebird Music's $750m fund for music catalogue acquisitions backs Firebird Music's fund. Warburg Pincus is investing in Australian credit agency Creditor Watch to fuel its Asian growth backs Australian credit agency.

Deal Activity and Industry Interest

Private equity firms are circling molecular testing company Qiagen, with EQT, Advent, and KKR reportedly showing interest in a potential takeover circle molecular testing group. SoftBank and Pay Pay are in discussions to invest in Seven & i Holdings, the owner of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain weigh Seven & i investment. Several environmental service providers are expected to come to market in the second half of the year, with Ares, Littlejohn, Palladium, and TPG evaluating sales. Kohlberg is exiting its investment in a cake decorations company to Sentinel. Searchlight's James Redmayne identified B2B events and blue-collar services as "high-conviction" areas for the firm, noting a bifurcation in the market where premium assets with defensible fundamentals attract buyers, while more cyclical or AI-exposed businesses struggle.

Startup Funding and Legal Disputes

In startup funding news, Nandan Nilekani's Fundamentum launched its third fund at $200M, targeting AI and fintech startups in India, with Nilekani remaining an anchor investor. Decathlon Capital Partners is supporting Amprion's diagnostic testing capacity expansion. Pye-Barker acquired security and life safety firm ResponseTECH, and Coalesce-backed Decision HR acquired payroll service Paymasters Inc. Bregal-backed Juniper Landscaping acquired two aquatic maintenance firms. In a legal development, college app Fizz accused a VC of sharing confidential startup information with rival Sidechat during a fundraising meeting. Precursor Ventures' Charles Hudson discussed common mistakes early-stage founders make after investing in over 500 startups.

Venture Capital and Emerging Technologies

Europe's venture funding landscape is showing strength, with the UK seeing gains and M&A holding steady. "Physical AI" is seen as Europe's opportunity to remain relevant globally. Sovereign capital, global chipmakers, and serial investors are backing Europe's new unicorns. Quantum Diamonds secured a €91m round with backing from World Fund and IQ Capital. Stealth founders are leveraging AI to disrupt their former industries. Pasqal's SPAC filings revealed over $500m in funding and potential "French state influence" concerns.

Firm Appointments and Strategic Shifts

Blue Wolf appointed Anne Bailey as lead operating partner, with George Judd continuing as an operating partner. O2 Investment Partners brought on Micah Dawson as an operating partner to drive value across its portfolio. Charlesbank completed an investment in secondaries PE firm Overbay, with the Overbay team retaining significant long-term shareholder status and control. B Capital-led investor group is set to acquire Russell Investments, with CalPERS also participating. Yann LeCun's newly launched fund has reportedly shut down due to exclusivity relationships emerging.