Last updated: August 14, 2026, 2:31 AM ET
Private Equity Dealmaking and Investment Activity
Private equity firms continue to be active across various sectors. Thoma Bravo is taking the specialty insurance risk exchange platform Accelerant private for over $4 billion. Thoma Bravo also completed a $466 million take-private of validation software firm Kneat. In the environmental services sector, One Rock is selling its firm EnviroServe for $470 million to Clean Harbors. Astorg has completed the buyout of Thermo Fisher’s microbiology business. Astara Capital has acquired Dynatec, an industrial wastewater treatment firm. Reverence Capital-backed Sunstar has purchased insurance agency RJR Faribo. RF Investment Partners is investing in drilling company RJ Underground. Braemont Capital has invested in consulting firm Thought Logic, with the capital infusion aimed at accelerating growth. Resurgens Technology Partners is investing in the quality compliance platform Qarma, intending to boost its AI roadmap and international expansion. Granite Creek-backed DCG is merging with digital and tech firm Urban Emu to expand its capabilities.
Venture Capital and Startup Funding
In the venture capital space, OpenAI-backed Thrive Holdings has raised $2 billion at a $12 billion valuation from investors including SoftBank, D1 Capital Partners, and Altimeter Capital, aiming to bring AI to the enterprise. Thrive Holdings is focusing on AI solutions for businesses. Accel has closed an oversubscribed $550 million India fund, and separately, raised $800 million for its ninth early-stage Europe fund. Accel continues its strong fundraising momentum. Scaleup Europe, a public-private fund with a $5.7 billion target, has made its initial investment in Finnish satellite company ICEYE. In the drone sector, startups are attracting significant attention, with Uforce reportedly targeting upwards of a $4 billion valuation in its current raise. Sifted highlights ten drone startups to watch in 2026, identified by venture capitalists.
Sector-Specific Investments and Trends
Private equity is showing increased interest in the HVAC market, with Exponent closing a €750 million continuation vehicle for H&MV Engineering. Exponent is backed by Apollo, Pantheon, and SQ Capital for this deal. In the beverage sector, Harbour Vest has revealed its deployment strategy for its $4.75 billion flagship fund, HCF VII, which will target AI and healthcare innovation. HarbourVest also noted recent beverage deals involving Bain, Platinum Equity, and Monogram. Goldman Sachs is set to acquire ETFs provider Neos Investments for $2.25 billion. Neos Investments manages $30 billion in assets. In financial planning, West Bridge is acquiring a majority stake in Beckett Investment Management from Foresight Group. Beckett Investment Management has seen its assets under management grow from £800 million to £2.1 billion since 2021.
Secondaries Market and Fund Management
The secondaries market is seeing continued activity, with Korea's National Pension Service (NPS) adding another $1 billion in secondaries exposure, bringing its total secondaries funds and co-investments to approximately $3.7 billion. Korea NPS has seen its private equity assets under management grow by 12%. Hollyport Capital has opted to remain independent, accepting backing from Blue Owl, with Blue Owl acquiring a passive stake that will represent approximately 25% of the firm's economic interests. Hollyport Capital focuses on the tail-end of the market. US investors are raising questions about credit secondaries valuations, with discussions taking place during a PEI Group webinar. US investors are closely monitoring this segment. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also intensifying its scrutiny of private funds' valuations. SEC examiners are requesting information on specific funds.
Strategic Investments and Acquisitions
In a significant transaction, Bank of America has agreed to invest up to $1.9 billion for a stake of up to 49.9% in Jio Credit, the lending arm of Jio Financial Services. Bank of America is making a substantial bet on the fast-growing lending sector. EQT and Digital Garage have raised their tender offer for Kakaku.com to ¥3,570 per share, or approximately $22.40, to surpass a rival bid. EQT is actively pursuing this acquisition. EQT Life Sciences is investing $17.5 million in Vaderis Therapeutics as part of a $152 million Series B round to fund a rare-disease trial. Vaderis Therapeutics is focused on developing treatments for rare diseases. In other deals, PE-backed CHG Healthcare has acquired medical staffing firm Krewe Anesthesia. CHG Healthcare is a hospital staffing firm. Baymark has acquired healthy meal prep and delivery company Meal Prep Sunday, marking its 66th acquisition.
Emerging Trends and Fund Strategies
Blackstone is exploring a broader push into the US retirement market, considering the integration of private markets into target-date funds and managed accounts. Blackstone sees potential benefits in aligning with the long investment horizons of defined contribution plans. LA Fire and Police Pension (LAFPP) is reaffirming its conviction in the lower mid-market and emerging managers, with its head of PE believing the portfolio's distributions have performed well. LAFPP is seeking a North American private equity manager through an RFP. Sifted highlights London meetups for founders and VCs, and also features the best drone startups to watch in 2026.
Technology and AI Investments
The focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to drive significant investment. Silver Lake and Digital Bridge are reportedly exploring a $100 billion exit for Vantage Data Centers, considering either an IPO or a sale. Vantage Data Centers is a hyperscale operator. Crunchbase News reports on Trunk Tools, an AI construction startup founded by a teenage carpenter, and the broader trend of AI being a business change rather than just a technology layer. AI is a business change means redesigning workflows around AI for maximum productivity gains. In Spain, Multiverse Computing, an AI startup, is nearing a Series C funding round. Multiverse Computing aims to be a leading European AI player.
Fund Launches and Investor Strategies
Harbour Vest has revealed its deployment strategy for its $4.75 billion flagship fund, HCF VII, which will focus on transformative trends in AI and healthcare innovation. HCF VII will be deployed across co-investment opportunities. CVC Credit has priced Apidos LVIII, a new $550 million collateralised loan obligation, marking its fourth new CLO issuance of 2026. CVC Credit is extending its active year of issuance. Ardian's co-CEO Mark Benedetti notes that most mispricing opportunities are currently in European assets and secondaries, suggesting a strategic focus on these areas. Ardian sees strong potential in these markets.
European Private Equity Activity
European private equity remains dynamic. Sifted highlights London meetups for founders and VCs, and lists 16 energy startups to watch in Europe according to investors. 16 European energy startups are identified as having significant potential. The region also sees venture capital activity, with Accel raising $800 million for its ninth early-stage Europe fund. Accel's Europe fund targets early-stage companies. Ardian's Mark Benedetti points to mispricing opportunities in European assets and secondaries, indicating a favorable environment for strategic investments.
M&A and Corporate Transactions
Several notable M&A and corporate transactions are underway. EQT and Digital Garage are raising their bid for Kakaku.com to ¥3,570 a share, approximately $22.40, to outflank a rival offer. Kakaku.com is the target of this increased bid. Apax plans to sell its food supply chain logistics provider Tosca to Goldman Sachs Alternatives. Tosca has been owned by Apax since 2017. Bank of America is set to invest up to $1.9 billion for a stake of up to 49.9% in Jio Credit, the lending arm of Jio Financial Services. Jio Credit is poised for significant growth with this backing.
Startup Ecosystem and Growth Funding
London is a hub for startup activity, with Sifted highlighting meetups for founders and VCs and identifying emerging deeptech companies. London startups are benefiting from increased investor interest. Monashees, a prominent Latin American VC firm, is expanding its presence into Silicon Valley, aiming to support the next phase of the region's startup ecosystem. Monashees believes a permanent San Francisco base is crucial. Lovable has raised $400 million at a $1.33 billion valuation, backed by the EU's Scaleup Fund. Lovable is a significant player in its sector.
Financial Services and Technology Investments
Goldman Sachs is acquiring ETFs provider Neos Investments for $2.25 billion. Neos Investments manages $30 billion in assets across 19 options-based income ETFs. Bank of America's $1.9 billion investment in Jio Credit signals a strong push into the lending sector. Jio Financial Services is expanding its financial services offerings. In the insurance sector, Thoma Bravo is taking Accelerant private for over $4 billion, while Altamont Capital Partners and the company's founders will retain equity stakes alongside Thoma Bravo. Accelerant operates in the specialty insurance risk exchange market.
Healthcare and Life Sciences Funding
The healthcare and life sciences sectors are attracting substantial investment. EQT Life Sciences is investing $17.5 million in Vaderis Therapeutics as part of a $152 million Series B round to support a rare-disease trial. Vaderis Therapeutics is a Swiss biotech company. Marlin's Radar Healthcare has completed an add-on acquisition of Cemplicity, a patient experience and patient-reported outcomes platform operating in Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and the UK. Cemplicity enhances patient care reporting. Gridiron Capital is investing in van den Boom & Associates, a life sciences back-office solutions provider offering services such as finance, accounting, and HR. Gridiron Capital supports operational efficiency in life sciences.
Energy and Infrastructure Investments
Private equity is showing interest in the energy sector, with Sifted identifying 16 energy startups to watch in Europe. Energy startups are drawing investor attention. In infrastructure, Silver Lake and Digital Bridge are exploring a potential $100 billion exit for Vantage Data Centers, a hyperscale operator. Vantage Data Centers is a significant player in data infrastructure. One Rock is selling its environmental services firm Enviro Serve for $470 million to Clean Harbors, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Consolidation and Add-on Acquisitions
Consolidation and add-on acquisitions remain a key strategy for private equity firms. PE-backed CHG Healthcare has acquired medical staffing firm Krewe Anesthesia. CHG Healthcare is a hospital staffing firm. Baymark has acquired healthy meal prep and delivery company Meal Prep Sunday, marking its 66th acquisition. Baymark continues its aggressive acquisition strategy. Clearview-backed Capitol Services has acquired corporate services provider Wolz. Capitol Services is a provider of outsourced legal and compliance services. Vance Street-backed Keltec has acquired AJF Filtration, a company specializing in filtration solutions. Keltec enhances its filtration offerings.
Public Funds and Investor Relations
Europe's top 30 most active public funds in the first half of 2026 are highlighted by Sifted, offering insights into institutional investor activity. Public funds in Europe are key players in the market. Korea's NPS has seen its PE AUM grow by 12%, although overall growth is slowing. Korea NPS PE AUM represents about 7.2% of its total portfolio. US investors are expressing concerns over credit secondaries valuations, indicating a need for greater transparency and consistent valuation methodologies.
Deep Tech and Innovation
Deeptech startups are dictating term sheets in 2026, signaling a shift in negotiation power towards founders in this specialized sector. Deeptech founders are in a strong position. Sifted also profiles a venture lab in London's Docklands that is building deeptech companies focused on environmental solutions. London Docklands venture lab is dedicated to creating planet-saving technologies. Index is reportedly in talks to lead a $500 million round for a new AI lab founded by a former Deep Mind researcher. Index Ventures is a prominent venture capital firm.
Market Trends and Valuations
Private equity dealmaking has slumped once again, according to PE International, which also notes that investors are increasingly looking at local economy themes. PE dealmaking trends are evolving. Valuations are facing scrutiny on multiple fronts, with the SEC zeroing in on private funds' valuation methodologies. Valuations under scrutiny by regulators is a growing concern. The best meetups in London for founders and VCs are highlighted by Sifted, providing networking opportunities in a key startup hub.
Corporate Buyouts and Exits
TDR Capital is exploring a sale of Arrow Global, the British private credit manager it took private five years ago. Arrow Global is a significant asset in TDR's portfolio. Mountaingate has exited its investment in Relevate, a healthcare commercialization platform, having first partnered with the company in 2020. Relevate is a specialized healthcare services provider. Providence is selling its live entertainment business, ATG, to Mari in a private equity deal. ATG operates numerous venues across the UK, US, Germany, and Spain.
Investment Firm Strategies
New 2ND Capital is targeting a $1.25 billion close for its Fund IV, which has already closed on its first deal. New 2ND Capital is active in the secondaries market. Ardian's co-CEO Mark Benedetti highlights mispricing opportunities in European assets and secondaries, suggesting a strategic focus on these areas. Exponent has closed a single-asset continuation vehicle of approximately $867 million (€750 million) to hold on to H&MV Engineering. H&MV Engineering remains a key asset for Exponent.
Startup Funding and Valuations
Clear Jet has raised $25 million in a Series B round led by Edison Partners to build what it calls the ‘Uber of Cargo’. ClearJet is an AI-enabled logistics technology startup. Fitness startup funding is rebounding, with investors seeking companies focused on AI and data rather than hardware like treadmills. Fitness startup funding totaled over $3.6 billion in the first half of the year. In Spain, Multiverse Computing is nearing a Series C funding round, aiming to become a leading European AI champion.
Financial Services and Technology Investments
Goldman Sachs is acquiring ETFs provider Neos Investments for $2.25 billion. Neos Investments manages $30 billion in assets across 19 options-based income ETFs. Bank of America's $1.9 billion investment in Jio Credit signals a strong push into the lending sector. In the insurance sector, Thoma Bravo is taking Accelerant private for over $4 billion, while Altamont Capital Partners and the company's founders will retain equity stakes alongside Thoma Bravo.
Healthcare and Life Sciences Funding
The healthcare and life sciences sectors are attracting substantial investment. EQT Life Sciences is investing $17.5 million in Vaderis Therapeutics as part of a $152 million Series B round to support a rare-disease trial. Vaderis Therapeutics is a Swiss biotech company. Marlin's Radar Healthcare has completed an add-on acquisition of Cemplicity, a patient experience and patient-reported outcomes platform operating in Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and the UK. Cemplicity enhances patient care reporting. Gridiron Capital is investing in van den Boom & Associates, a life sciences back-office solutions provider offering services such as finance, accounting, and HR.
Energy and Infrastructure Investments
Private equity is showing interest in the energy sector, with Sifted identifying 16 energy startups to watch in Europe. In infrastructure, Silver Lake and Digital Bridge are exploring a potential $100 billion exit for Vantage Data Centers, a hyperscale operator. One Rock is selling its environmental services firm Enviro Serve for $470 million to Clean Harbors, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Consolidation and Add-on Acquisitions
Consolidation and add-on acquisitions remain a key strategy for private equity firms. PE-backed CHG Healthcare has acquired medical staffing firm Krewe Anesthesia. Baymark has acquired healthy meal prep and delivery company Meal Prep Sunday, marking its 66th acquisition. Clearview-backed Capitol Services has acquired corporate services provider Wolz. Vance Street-backed Keltec has acquired AJF Filtration, a company specializing in filtration solutions.
Public Funds and Investor Relations
Europe's top 30 most active public funds in the first half of 2026 are highlighted by Sifted, offering insights into institutional investor activity. Korea's NPS has seen its PE AUM grow by 12%, although overall growth is slowing. US investors are expressing concerns over credit secondaries valuations, indicating a need for greater transparency and consistent valuation methodologies.
Deep Tech and Innovation
Deeptech startups are dictating term sheets in 2026, signaling a shift in negotiation power towards founders in this specialized sector. Sifted also profiles a venture lab in London's Docklands that is building deeptech companies focused on environmental solutions. Index is reportedly in talks to lead a $500 million round for a new AI lab founded by a former Deep Mind researcher.
Market Trends and Valuations
Private equity dealmaking has slumped once again, according to PE International, which also notes that investors are increasingly looking at local economy themes. Valuations are facing scrutiny on multiple fronts, with the SEC zeroing in on private funds' valuation methodologies. The best meetups in London for founders and VCs are highlighted by Sifted, providing networking opportunities in a key startup hub.
Corporate Buyouts and Exits
TDR Capital is exploring a sale of Arrow Global, the British private credit manager it took private five years ago. Mountaingate has exited its investment in Relevate, a healthcare commercialization platform, having first partnered with the company in 2020. Providence is selling its live entertainment business, ATG, to Mari in a private equity deal.
Investment Firm Strategies
New 2ND Capital is targeting a $1.25 billion close for its Fund IV, which has already closed on its first deal. Ardian's co-CEO Mark Benedetti highlights mispricing opportunities in European assets and secondaries, suggesting a strategic focus on these areas. Exponent has closed a single-asset continuation vehicle of approximately $867 million (€750 million) to hold on to H&MV Engineering.
Startup Funding and Valuations
Clear Jet has raised $25 million in a Series B round led by Edison Partners to build what it calls the ‘Uber of Cargo’. Fitness startup funding is rebounding, with investors seeking companies focused on AI and data rather than hardware like treadmills. In Spain, Multiverse Computing is nearing a Series C funding round, aiming to become a leading European AI champion.