Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: March 23, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Private Equity & Venture Capital Promotions & Fundraising

Freshstream elevated two key dealmakers, Tom Carroll and Gilles Gradassi, to partner, reflecting the firm's commitment to its core European markets spanning the UK, France, Belgium, Ireland, and The Netherlands; this internal promotion structure mirrors broader trends in mid-market private equity emphasizing regional expertise. In parallel, the venture capital sector saw large fund closures, most notably with Air Street Capital securing a $232 million solo General Partner fund, marking one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Meanwhile, French-Italian firm 360 Capital successfully closed an €85 million fund dedicated to deeptech investments, drawing backing from a major European defense prime contractor, indicating continued investor appetite for specialized, high-tech sectors.

European Deeptech & Growth Ecosystem

The maturation of the European startup scene is evidenced by significant seed funding rounds and accelerator selections, even as political engagement with founders remains inconsistent. Defence capabilities attracted fresh capital, as air defence startup Egide successfully raised an €8 million seed round to fuel its next phase of development. Furthermore, the UK’s growth stage ecosystem recognized top performers, with 25 promising companies selected for the Future Fifty programme aimed at scaling businesses. This activity occurs against a backdrop where political figures are engaging with entrepreneurs, though investors suggest these flirtations need tangible policy commitments to sustain momentum beyond initial interest, while tracking the leading regional investors backing the market remains a key focus for LPs.