Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Fundraising Records and Sector Focus

Private equity fundraising in the second quarter, buoyed significantly by a $49 billion raise for MGX Fund I in June. This surge to its highest point in four years, with Europe also posting its strongest venture funding quarter in that same period, raising $24 billion. Harbour Vest Partners closed its seventh co-investment program at $4.75 billion, exceeding its target, while to triple. Korean institutions are also actively seeking investment opportunities, with the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention Fund looking to commit 270 billion Korean won to domestic blind funds, and the Korean Teachers' Credit Union planning to commit 100 billion won to similar funds for 2026. Nandan Nilekani is stepping back from a GP role at Fundamentum, though he remains an anchor investor as the firm launches its $200 million third fund targeting AI and fintech startups in India.

AI and Tech Drive Deal Activity

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate venture funding, claiming five of the ten largest announced rounds this week, including two billion-dollar financings for AI infrastructure and cybersecurity. Crunchbase News reported that these deals led the pack in overall funding. Beyond these mega-rounds, other intriguing startup deals include AI applications in biology and solutions for streamlining private market paperwork. Sifted noted that "physical AI is Europe's last chance to be useful to the world," suggesting a focus on tangible applications. The firm Pasqal, a European defense unicorn, raised $175 million in a Series B round, with its SPAC filings revealing over $500 million in new funding and a valuation of 100 times its initial investment. Tech Crunch Venture reported that Reed Jobs' firm Yosemite, despite the biotech sector's post-pandemic struggles, is actively investing. Meanwhile, a lawsuit alleges that a Maveron VC shared confidential information obtained during a fundraising meeting with Fizz, a college application platform, to its rival Sidechat.

Sector-Specific Investments and M&A

Private equity firms are actively pursuing opportunities in specialized sectors. Apollo, Kain are targeting the primary care sector, attracted by its growing need for digital infrastructure. KKR has launched a new platform, Allyntra, anchored by its portfolio company Precipart, to leverage innovation in medical devices. In HR technology, Shore Capital, Lightyear, and Bridgepoint have been busy, with Apollo also bidding for the budget airline Easy Jet. PE Hub noted that private equity firms have had a busy week in the HR tech sector. On the environmental services front, Ares, Littlejohn, Palladium, and TPG are reportedly evaluating the sale of four companies, with Kohlberg exiting its investment in a cake decorations company to Sentinel. PE Hub also reported that Ares is backing Firebird Music's $750 million fund for music rights catalogue acquisitions.

M&A and Portfolio Activity

The power of the global M&A market. In the secondaries market, activity is expected to pick up in the second half of the year after a turbulent first half, with advisers anticipating a rise in second-half volume. Secondaries Investor is also launching new surveys to track the increasingly sophisticated secondaries marketplace. Charlesbank has completed an investment in the secondaries PE firm Overbay, with the Overbay team remaining significant long-term shareholders. Warburg Pincus is backing Creditor Watch, an Australian commercial credit reporting platform, to support its Asian growth. Bregal-backed Juniper Landscaping has acquired two aquatic maintenance firms, Compass Environmental and Aquatic Weeds, as part of its commercial landscaping platform strategy. PE Hub reported that Pye-Barker, a PE-backed security and life safety firm, has acquired Response TECH.

Investor Expansions and Strategic Moves

Apollo is not only active in primary care but also reportedly bidding for budget airline Easy Jet. KKR has unveiled its new medical tech platform, Allyntra, as part of its strategy to leverage innovation in the medical device sector. Blue Wolf has appointed Anne Bailey as lead operating partner, with George Judd continuing as an operating partner. O2 Investment has tapped Micah Dawson as an operating partner to drive value across its portfolio companies. Searchlight's James Redmayne views offensive AI and structural resilience as a compelling combination, noting a bifurcation in the market where premium assets attract buyer interest, while more cyclical businesses struggle. Redmayne also identified B2B events and blue-collar services as "high-conviction" areas for Searchlight, with selective deal activity expected to increase in the second half as the bid-ask gap narrows. PE Hub cited Redmayne's outlook.

European Tech and Venture Capital

European tech startups in four years during Q2, with the UK seeing gains. Sifted noted that "tourist investors" have fallen out of love with Europe's once-hottest tech sectors. Despite this, sovereign capital, global chipmakers, and serial investors are behind Europe’s new unicorns, suggesting continued innovation and investment in specific areas. EQT, Advent, and KKR are reportedly circling the European molecular testing company Qiagen, indicating potential takeover interest from private equity heavyweights. PE Insights reported this early interest. SoftBank Corp and Pay Pay are in talks to invest in Seven & i Holdings, the Japanese owner of the 7-Eleven chain, as a buyout saga continues. PE Insights detailed these discussions. Yann LeCun's newly launched fund has reportedly shut down due to exclusivity relationships emerging, according to Sifted.