Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: June 4, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Venture‑Capital Pulse

At the StrictlyVC Los Angeles event, investors and founders converged at the Aerospace Corporation Campus to weigh how defense‑tech and AI startups are redefining capital flows, with a focus on emerging fundraising trends that could shift valuation benchmarks for the next decade. The gathering also highlighted a surge in investor appetite for companies that blend national‑security technology with artificial intelligence, a sector that has attracted over $4.5bn in commitments this year.

Infrastructure Expansion

EIP‑backed Guardian announced a $350 m acquisition of E2 Consulting Engineers a move that expands its footprint in the utilities‑focused infrastructure space and positions the firm to capitalize on the 18% growth projected for the sector’s capital expenditures in 2025. The deal underscores a broader shift toward consolidation among infrastructure service providers looking to scale quickly amid tightening capital markets.

Operating‑Partner Strategy

Jeff Haight’s transition to Transom as operating partner signals a strategic emphasis on value creation across the firm’s portfolio, particularly in technology and manufacturing sub‑segments where he has a track record of driving revenue lift. His role will focus on orchestrating operational efficiencies that could accelerate exit timelines and enhance asset‑level returns.

Secondary‑Market Dynamics

LPs are increasingly wary of LP‑led secondaries, citing limited upside in a market where transaction volumes have stalled, yet demand for credit‑worthy CVs remains high. This divergence reflects a broader recalibration of risk appetites among institutional investors seeking higher yield profiles outside traditional equity and debt mandates.