Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 24, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Fundraising and Large Stakes

Harbour Vest closed its seventh co-investment program at $4.75 billion, exceeding its target, while Partners Group secured over $15 billion for its fourth direct infrastructure program, marking its largest infrastructure raise to date and already committing over 40% of the capital reported gains. Blackstone is targeting up to $20 billion for private credit deployment in Mexico, aiming to capitalize on nearshoring-driven infrastructure development indicated plans. Step Stone's venture capital secondaries fund surpassed $1 billion, with Ohio's public school employees' pension committing $50 million to the fund, signaling growing LP interest in the strategy attracted capital. In another significant fundraising effort, Blackstone's latest flagship raise crossed the $14 billion mark, positioning Strategic Partners Fund X as the second-largest active secondaries fundraise by target at $22.5 billion surpassed target.

Sector-Specific Investments and Acquisitions

Private equity firms are actively deploying capital across various sectors, with a notable focus on AI, healthcare, and technology. General Catalyst overtook Y Combinator in backing fintech deals exceeding $5 million in the second quarter. Bain Capital agreed to acquire the UK vitamin company Vitabiotics for international expansion, while Providence Equity invested in SCG, a UK communications and IT provider serving approximately 35,000 small and medium-sized businesses agreed to acquire. In the healthcare space, seven deals in veterinary care were noted, involving firms such as Warburg Pincus and Great Point Partners. Nordic Capital plans to sell life sciences software provider Aris Global, which serves pharmaceutical, biotech, and regulatory authorities plans to sell. Cinven is acquiring software firm Salsify, which boasts a network of over 2,000 customers.

Sports and Entertainment Ventures

The sports and entertainment industries are also seeing private equity engagement. Harbinger has taken a minority ownership stake in MLB’s Athletics as part of the club's equity financing for a new ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip. Former NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning shared insights on investing in sports, discussing an investment in RCX Sports, and Enlightenment Capital, Align Capital, and TA are leading PE's foray into the government technology sector. Nazca Capital acquired Madrid Artes Digitales, an operator of immersive cultural experiences, and also picked up an immersive experience operator, while Camden's Triumph acquired the Spanish Culinary Institute of Barcelona acquires operator.

Infrastructure and Energy Deals

Significant transactions are occurring in the infrastructure and energy sectors. Blackstone is set to sell battery storage developer Aypa Power to Brookfield in a $7 billion deal, encompassing operating, under-construction, and contracted projects along with its development platform to sell assets. Ridgewood Infrastructure-backed MN8 will acquire power producer Greenbacker for $375 million, adding to MN8's portfolio of energy assets to acquire producer. TJC is acquiring electrical power firm Sunbelt Solomon from Trilantic North America, a company with operations across the US, Canada, and Chile.

Technology and Software Investments

Technology and software companies continue to attract substantial private equity interest. Hg is making a growth investment in UK proptech company Street Group at over £200 million valuation, aiming to deepen its AI capabilities with vertical software and AI tools for estate and letting agents. Coalesce Capital is investing in cybersecurity provider Worksheet, with an exclusive report detailing the acquisition of Workstreet amid proliferating cybersecurity challenges in the age of AI invests in provider. Lead Edge and Hamilton Lane are leading a $625 million deal for Ninja One, a Saa S provider that has generated significant returns for its investors lead deal.

Fundraising and Market Dynamics

Fundraising activity remains robust, with several firms announcing significant capital raises. Harbour Vest closed its seventh co-investment program at $4.75 billion, exceeding its target, and Partners Group secured over $15 billion for its fourth direct infrastructure program reported gains. Blackstone is targeting up to $20 billion for private credit deployment in Mexico, focusing on nearshoring-driven infrastructure indicated plans. Step Stone's venture capital secondaries fund has surpassed $1 billion, drawing a $50 million commitment from Ohio's public school employees' pension attracted capital. Blackstone’s latest flagship raise has crossed $14 billion, with Strategic Partners Fund X targeting $22.5 billion surpassed target.

Key Acquisitions and Minority Stakes

Private equity firms are actively acquiring companies and taking minority stakes across various industries. Bain Capital has agreed to acquire UK vitamin company Vitabiotics for international expansion agreed to acquire. Providence Equity is investing in SCG, a UK communications and IT provider invests in provider. Nazca Capital acquired Madrid Artes Digitales, an operator of immersive cultural experiences acquires operator. Inflexion is taking a minority stake in Salto Systems, a designer and manufacturer of electronic access control technology. Goldman Sachs Alternatives is set to acquire fintech firm Aegis Hedging Solutions, with Greenbelt Capital Partners and Baird Capital exiting Aegis as part of the transaction.

Sector Focus: Healthcare and Services

The healthcare and services sectors continue to be a focus for private equity investment. Seven deals in veterinary care services have been noted, with firms like Warburg Pincus and Great Point Partners involved. Sky Knight is investing in infusion services provider Apex Infusion, with FFL Partners remaining a minority investor to invest in provider. New Spring-backed Vybe Urgent Care acquired two Liberty Urgent Care PA centers, expanding its presence in the greater Philadelphia market. Knox Lane has acquired health tech firm Cross Country Healthcare Inc., with Joel Tremblay appointed CEO.

Strategic Real Estate and Infrastructure Plays

Blackstone is selling battery storage developer Aypa Power to Brookfield for $7 billion, including its project portfolio and development platform to sell assets. Ridgewood Infrastructure-backed MN8 is acquiring power producer Greenbacker for $375 million to develop, own, and operate energy assets to acquire producer. Townsend has raised $2 billion for real estate secondaries, with an early focus on data center investments. Private real estate managers are increasingly utilizing secondaries, signaling the market's evolution beyond distress-driven strategies rewrite playbook.

Venture Capital and Startup Funding Trends

Venture capital activity shows a strong emphasis on AI and large funding rounds. General Catalyst led fintech deals exceeding $5 million in Q2, overtaking Y Combinator. Dimension Capital's third fund, $800 million, highlights the booming intersection of science and compute. Ten frontier AI labs joined the Crunchbase Unicorn Board in June, collectively valued at $65 billion, contributing to a total of 34 companies adding over $110 billion in value. The sector is also seeing a shift towards resilience and adaptable infrastructure over proprietary hyperscalers, according to industry analysis.

Emerging Trends and Deal Activity

The private equity landscape is characterized by a mix of established and emerging trends. Softbank is reportedly eyeing the acquisition of ETH spinout Gravis. The AI sector continues to be a hotbed of investment, with reports of Mistral seeking backing from Samsung for its Series D round. Oaktree-backed GA Group acquired family law litigation support firm Trampe Settles, and Fundamental Advisors snapped up aerial services operator Blue Sky Helicopters acquires firm. Bregal Sagemount is taking a majority stake in Luxembourg's ATOZ Services, an administration and governance provider for private equity, private credit, and real estate clients.