Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Fundraising Records and Sector Focus

Private equity fundraising hit a new record in the second quarter, with inflows significantly boosted by the $49bn raised for MGX Fund I in June. This surge contributed to Europe posting its strongest venture funding quarter in four years, with startups raising $24 billion, a roughly one-third increase from the previous period. Harbour Vest Partners closed its seventh direct co-investment program, HCF VII, at $4.75bn, exceeding its target closed its seventh program. Schroders anticipates a threefold increase in GP-led secondary volumes.

AI and Tech Investments Lead Funding Rounds

Artificial intelligence continued to dominate venture funding, securing five of the ten largest announced rounds this week. Two billion-dollar financings for AI infrastructure and cybersecurity led the pack continued to dominate. In a notable early-stage deal, Yosemite, the firm co-founded by Reed Jobs, is reportedly focusing on biotech investments, aiming to advance cancer cures is reportedly focusing. Meanwhile, a filing alleges that a Maveron VC shared confidential information with rival startup Sidechat during a fundraising meeting alleges that a Maveron VC shared.

Deals Across Healthcare, HR Tech, and Infrastructure

The healthcare sector saw significant activity, with Apollo, Kain, and OMERS targeting primary care, driven by its increasing need for digital infrastructure. KKR launched a new platform, Allyntra, anchored by its portfolio company Precipart, to leverage innovation in medical devices. In HR tech, Shore Capital, Lightyear, and Bridgepoint signed deals, while Apollo reportedly bid for budget airline Easy Jet signed deals. Center Gate Capital invested in Canadian Dental Labs, which manages eleven dental laboratories across Canada.

M&A Activity and Sector Exits

Private equity M&A remains a substantial force in the market, with mega-deals increasingly shaping its power. Ares, Littlejohn, Palladium, and TPG are reportedly evaluating the sale of environmental service providers, with four such companies expected to come to market in the second half of the year. Kohlberg is exiting its investment in cake decorations company to Sentinel is exiting its investment. Bregal-backed Juniper Landscaping acquired two aquatic maintenance firms, Compass Environmental and Aquatic Weeds, as part of its expansion. Pye-Barker, a PE-backed security and life safety services provider, acquired Response TECH acquired ResponseTECH.

International Investments and Strategic Partnerships

Warburg Pincus agreed to invest in Creditor Watch, Australia's leading commercial credit reporting and risk analytics platform, to deepen its presence in Asia agreed to invest. SoftBank Corp and mobile payments operator Pay Pay are in discussions to invest in Seven & i Holdings, the Japanese owner of the 7-Eleven chain are in discussions. EQT, Advent, and KKR are reportedly considering a takeover of the European molecular testing company Qiagen are reportedly considering. A B Capital-led investor group, including the California Public Employees' Retirement System, is set to acquire Russell Investments is set to acquire.

Secondaries Market and Investor Intentions

Secondaries activity is expected to increase in the second half of the year following a volatile first half is expected to increase. Charlesbank completed an investment in secondaries PE firm Overbay, with the Overbay team retaining significant long-term shareholder status and control of investment activities completed an investment. The Minnesota State Board of Investment is seeking a general investment consultant is seeking a consultant. Separately, the Korean government-related investment organization plans to commit 270 billion Korean won to domestic blind funds for 2026, while the Korean Teachers' Credit Union aims to commit 100 billion won to similar funds plans to commit.

Venture Capital Insights and Emerging Trends

The venture capital landscape continues to evolve, with Precursor Ventures' Charles Hudson sharing common mistakes observed in over 500 startup investments, particularly concerning headwinds for early-stage founders. Europe's tech sector, once a hotbed for tourist investors, is experiencing a shift in sentiment is experiencing a shift. Separately, Yann LeCun's newly launched fund has reportedly shut down due to exclusivity relationships emerging. Discussions around "physical AI" suggest it may represent Europe's last chance to contribute meaningfully to the global technological landscape.