Private Equity 3 Days

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

Fundraising Surges Amid AI and Tech Dominance

Private equity fundraising is showing a strong rebound, with Q2 marking a record period. Inflows were significantly boosted by the $49bn raised for MGX Fund I in June. Simultaneously, Harbour Vest Partners closed its seventh co-investment program at approximately $4.75bn, exceeding its target. This surge in capital comes as AI and cybersecurity infrastructure continue to command substantial venture funding, accounting for five of the ten largest announced rounds this week, including two billion-dollar financings. Europe, in particular in four years, with startups raising $24 billion in Q2, a roughly one-third increase.

Sector-Specific Investments and M&A Activity

Private equity firms are across various sectors. Center Gate Capital has invested in Canadian Dental Labs, which manages eleven facilities. Apollo, Kain, and OMERS are targeting the primary care sector, drawn by its growing need for digital infrastructure. KKR has launched a new platform, Allyntra, focused on medical devices, anchored by its existing portfolio company Precipart. In HR tech, Shore Capital, Lightyear, and Bridgepoint have been active, while Apollo is reportedly bidding for budget airline EasyJet. Arrow Global is set to acquire Fusion Specialty Group, a managing general agent that has written approximately £290m in gross premiums.

Deal-Making Trends and Legal Disputes

Deal activity is showing signs of increasing in the second half of the year. Searchlight's James Redmayne views B2B events and blue-collar services as "high-conviction" areas, noting that the bid-ask gap for quality assets is narrowing. Ares, Littlejohn, Palladium, and TPG are among firms evaluating the sale of environmental service providers, with four such companies expected to come to market. In a legal development, Fizz has expanded its lawsuit against rival Sidechat, alleging that a Maveron VC shared confidential information obtained during a fundraising meeting.

Strategic Moves in Technology and Healthcare

Technology and healthcare remain focal points for investment. Warburg Pincus is backing Australian credit agency Creditor Watch to drive its expansion in Asia Warburg Pincus backs Australian credit agency. Ares is supporting Firebird Music's new $750m music rights platform for catalogue acquisitions Ares backs Firebird Music's $750m catalogue acquisition fund. In the healthcare space, Decathlon Capital Partners will support Amprion's diagnostic testing capacity for neurodegenerative diseases. SoftBank Corp and Pay Pay are in talks to invest in Seven & i Holdings, the owner of the 7-Eleven chain SoftBank and Pay Pay weigh Seven & i investment.

Venture Capital Activity and Industry Insights

Venture capital continues to see significant activity, though some firms are shutting down. Yann LeCun’s newly launched fund has reportedly closed due to exclusivity relationships. Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures shared common mistakes made by early-stage founders. European tech's once-hot sectors are seeing a shift in investor interest. Meanwhile, Pasqal's SPAC filings reveal over $500m in new funding and potential concerns about French state influence.

Secondary Market Dynamics and Investor Intentions

The secondary market is anticipating an increase in activity in the second half of the year after a challenging first half. Secondaries Investor is introducing new surveys to track the evolving marketplace. Institutional investors are also signaling their intentions. The Minnesota State Board of Investment is seeking a general investment consultant. The Korean government-related Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention Fund plans to commit 270 billion Korean won to domestic blind funds, while Korean Teachers' Credit Union seeks to commit 100 billion won to similar funds.