Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Fundraising Surges Amidst Tech Dominance

Private equity firms have closed significant fundraising rounds, with Harbour Vest Partners securing $4.75bn for its seventh co-investment program, exceeding its target. This marks a strong period for fundraising, as Q2. Inflows were notably buoyed by a $49bn raise for MGX Fund I in June alone. Investors are actively seeking opportunities, with the Minnesota State Board of Investment issuing an RFP for investment consulting services, and the Korean government-related Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention Fund to domestic blind PE/VC funds for 2026. Similarly, Korean Teachers' Credit Union for domestic blind-pool funds.

AI and Cybersecurity Draw Major Investments

Artificial intelligence continues to be a dominant force in venture funding. Two billion-dollar financings for AI infrastructure and cybersecurity led the pack. Beyond these mega-rounds, several other notable startup deals are emerging. Ares has backed Firebird Music's $750m fund for music rights catalogue acquisitions, and Warburg Pincus is investing in Australian credit agency Creditor Watch to support its Asian growth. In a more contentious development, Fizz has expanded its lawsuit against rival Sidechat, alleging a VC shared confidential information obtained during a fundraising meeting. Meanwhile, Yann LeCun’s newly launched fund has shut down due to exclusivity relationships.

Sector-Specific Deals and Strategic Investments

Private equity firms are demonstrating a keen interest in specific sectors. In healthcare, Apollo, Kain, and OMERS are, while KKR has launched a new platform to. Decathlon Capital Partners will for neurodegenerative diseases. The HR tech sector has also seen substantial activity, with Shore Capital, Lightyear, and Bridgepoint. In other strategic moves, EQT, Advent, and KKR are reportedly circling molecular testing group Qiagen for a potential takeover. SoftBank Corp and Pay Pay are in talks to invest in Seven & i Holdings, the Japanese owner of the 7-Eleven chain, as its buyout saga continues.

Secondary Market Activity and Firm Appointments

The secondary market for private equity is evolving, with Charlesbank completing an investment in secondaries PE firm Overbay. Schroders anticipates that GP-led deal volumes could treble. In terms of firm appointments, Blue Wolf has as lead operating partner. The broader private equity M&A market remains significant, with mega-deals. Several environmental service providers are reportedly being evaluated for sale by firms including Ares, Littlejohn, and Palladium, while Kohlberg is exiting its cake decorations company to Sentinel as part of a divestment.

Venture Capital Trends and Founder Advice

Early-stage investing continues, though founders face headwinds. Precursor Ventures' Charles Hudson has observed in over 500 startup investments. Reed Jobs' firm Yosemite, initially launched during a biotech downturn, is still active, though Jobs prefers to focus on curing cancer. The European tech sector, once a hotbed for investors, is experiencing a shift in sentiment, with "tourist investors" with its formerly most sought-after segments. Despite broader market shifts, Europe's defence sector is seeing growth, with a new defence unicorn raising $175m in its Series B round. Amidst these developments, Pasqal’s SPAC filings reveal over $500m in fresh funding and a valuation of 100x, alongside concerns about "French state influence" according to filings.