Private Equity 3 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking and Fundraising Activity

Audax and Linden are set to sell to Leica Biosystems, an operating company of Danaher Corporation. In a significant move within the renewable energy sector, BlackRock’s GIP is acquiring Summit Ridge, a commercial solar power firm with operations across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and New England markets. Meanwhile, Carlyle Alp Invest closed its second single asset-focused fund on $1.7bn, surpassing its initial target and predecessor vehicle, driven by increased LP sophistication.

Fintech and Venture Capital Trends

Venture funding into fintech startups surged nearly 23% in H1 2026 despite a more than 25% drop in deal count, indicating a trend of larger, more concentrated investments. This concentration is further highlighted by the splitting nature of corporate venture capital, where smaller funds may feel the impact of market consolidation. In a bold move, Stripe and Advent International have reportedly tabled a joint offer of over $53bn to acquire PayPal.

Real Estate and Wealth Management Expansion

Institutional investors are increasingly turning to real estate secondaries as global buyers seek exposure to in-demand asset classes, fueling dealflow in this segment. Blackstone's new wealth head for EMEA, Simona Maellare, discussed expansion plans, focusing on adding more retail-eligible offerings and navigating fragmented European regulations as key barriers to access. A group of investors managing $177trn is increasing its private markets influence, while Bank of America Merrill Lynch appoints a new private markets tsar.