Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: May 5, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Venture Capital & Growth Equity

Despite cooling sentiment in digital assets, a16z crypto successfully closed a new $2.2bn fund, signaling continued commitment to the sector even as some rival venture firms pivot toward artificial intelligence startups. Meanwhile, the generative AI space secured further substantial backing, with autonomous software developer Blitzy raising $200M at a $1.4bn post-money valuation to finance its expansion in software creation tools. In the healthcare technology sphere, European unicorn Doctolib is plotting a £100M expansion into the United Kingdom, underscored by the strategic acquisition of London-based competitor Medicus.

Middle Market Buyouts & Add-Ons

Activity across the middle market saw private equity sponsors executing tuck-in acquisitions to build out platform companies in specialized services. A Goldman Sachs-backed platform, Xpress Wellness, expanded its footprint in integrated healthcare by acquiring Midwest Counseling Services, bolstering its offerings across urgent care and behavioral health in rural markets. Separately, Sterling Group's portfolio company, HLSG, which focuses on outsourced linen laundry for healthcare clients, completed an add-on purchase of Texas Textile Services to enhance its geographic reach in the Midwest. In the IT services sector, Salt Creek Capital divested its portfolio company IT Assist, a large Team Logic IT franchisee specializing in managed IT and cybersecurity, to the larger Team Logic platform.