Private Equity 3 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Private Equity Deal Activity Picks Up

Angeles Equity Partners has appointed Kyle Huffman as finance vice president for its operations group, aiming to bolster financial operations and cash generation at its portfolio companies. In related platform activity, RFE-backed Launch Pad acquired home inspection firm Top to Bottom Services, while O2-backed 4M purchased commercial janitorial providers Bluegrass Commercial Cleaning and Rainbow Maintenance Services. Enlightenment Capital, meanwhile, invested in govtech firm Quorum, intending to accelerate its product roadmap and expand AI capabilities invested in govtech.

Secondaries Market Continues Strong Performance

The private equity secondaries market has extended its record-breaking run through the first half of the year, with fundraising surpassing $50 billion. Clipway successfully closed its debut fund at $6.4 billion, exceeding its initial $4 billion target. This robust fundraising environment underscores continued investor confidence despite market volatility.

Infrastructure and AI Funding Trends Emerge

Major private equity firms Blackstone, Apollo, and KKR have committed $5.34 billion to acquire a 49% stake in five power projects owned by energy operator Williams committed $5.34bn. In the technology sector, European fintechs are facing a funding landscape where AI-native companies are prioritized, with one observer stating, "If you're not AI-native, you're not getting funded". Dell Technologies Capital also commented on the enduring role of Saa S despite AI's rise. Encouragingly, Black founders in the AI era are seeing improved Series A funding, with startups raising approximately $643 million by late May. The UK has appointed Kanishka Narayan as its first cabinet-level AI minister.