Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: August 17, 2026, 6:11 AM ET

Major Fundraising and Mandates

Partners Group has secured a $1bn Asia private credit mandate from a major institutional investor, underscoring continued appetite for regional private credit strategies Partners Group. BNPP AM Prime is evaluating up to five European GP stakes from the current vintage, reflecting growing interest in secondary GP acquisitions BNPP AM Prime. Meanwhile, Providence Equity Partners has agreed to acquire Hometrack, a valuation and property risk data business, expanding its data-driven investment capabilities Providence.

EQT’s €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund has made its debut with a €450m investment in ICEYE, a satellite operator valued at €10bn, marking one of the largest European tech-focused fund launches this year EQT Scaleup Europe. The Weymouth Retirement Board has issued an RFP seeking private equity co-investment managers, signaling renewed pension fund interest in direct deal participation Weymouth Retirement Board.

AI and Technology Investments

Databricks has raised an additional $5bn just eight months after its prior round, highlighting sustained investor confidence in AI infrastructure plays Databricks. Battery Ventures has backed Vetspire, an AI operating system for veterinary practices, with growth capital to accelerate product development and AI integration Battery Ventures. Thrive’s Joshua Kushner has cautioned Silicon Valley VCs against AI euphoria, warning that excessive excitement could weaken investment discipline despite the sector’s long-term potential Joshua Kushner.

ASML and Amadeus have committed to supporting Mistral’s data centre buildout, reinforcing enterprise backing for European AI infrastructure development Mistral. July saw 40 companies join the Crunchbase Unicorn Board, the highest count in four years, with AI orchestration, multimodal AI, energy, and semiconductors among the leading sectors Unicorn Board.

Strategic Acquisitions and Portfolio Moves

Shurco, backed by Behrman, has acquired Heavy Motions Inc., a South Dakota-based manufacturer specializing in cargo covering and containment systems, expanding its industrial footprint Shurco. Wolf-Gordon, supported by Charger, has acquired Andor Willow and Walls & Interiors, two interior surfaces providers, strengthening its position in architectural materials Wolf-Gordon. Astorg has completed a $1bn carve-out of Thermo Fisher’s microbiology business, driven by rising demand for antimicrobial testing solutions Astorg.

Butterfly Equity, Graham Partners, and Wise Equity are actively targeting nutraceutical assets, reflecting broader private equity interest in health-focused consumer sectors Butterfly Equity.

Market Conditions and Strategic Shifts

La Caisse’s private equity portfolio declined 4.3% in the first half of 2026, significantly underperforming a public market benchmark that gained 8.0%, highlighting ongoing challenges in private asset valuation La Caisse. Concentration at the top of the fundraising landscape is intensifying, with BNPP AM Prime’s Pascal Christory noting that capital availability may not meet growing demand for GP stake investments Pascal Christory.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has outlined a 2026-2030 strategy that shifts emphasis from rapid capital deployment toward active ownership and increased private investor participation PIF. Private credit firms including Pimco and Pollen Street are among suitors for BFF Bank’s €1.2bn ($1.4bn) non-performing loan portfolio, reflecting strong demand for distressed European credit opportunities BFF Bank.

Regional Developments and Spinouts

The University of Glasgow is seeing increased spinout activity, with several deep-tech ventures preparing to raise external funding rounds University of Glasgow. UK spinout investor Northern Gritstone is set to open a San Francisco office, expanding its reach into North American deep-tech markets Northern Gritstone.

Revolut is weighing whether to pursue physical expansion, including potential airport lounge offerings, as it explores diversification beyond digital financial services Revolut. European fintech continues to grapple with cultural and operational challenges, particularly in scaling talent and maintaining competitive positioning amid global consolidation European fintech.