Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Investor Activity

Tapestry VC has closed an $80 million third fund aimed at backing European repeat founders, with expectations that an upcoming wave of AI exits will generate a new cohort of experienced entrepreneurs. This follows Tapestry VC's expansion into the European market. In a similar vein, ex-Speedinvest partner Rick Hao secured $50 million for his solo GP fund targeting deeptech startups. Meanwhile, secondary buyers are becoming more receptive to collateralized fund obligations (CVs), with advisers increasingly sourcing fund financing to optimize returns, according to discussions at the European Fund Finance Symposium secondaries investors grow comfortable. Canada's BCI has quadrupled its private equity exposure, according to the latest Global Investor 150 ranking PE’s biggest investors, which also offers an interactive look at the most active investors in the asset class the Global Investor 150.

Deal Activity & Exits

Ardian Semiconductor has completed a minority investment in VSORA, a French fabless company designing AI inference accelerators for data centers. This move signals Ardian's increasing focus on the semiconductor sector, particularly in AI applications Ardian Semiconductor invests VSORA. In a strategic divestment, First Reserve-backed Trillium Flow has sold select valve businesses to Flowserve, excluding its French valve operations. Separately, Behrman successfully closed a $250 million continuation fund for Shurco, with Coller Capital leading the investment alongside Northleaf Capital Partners and Siguler Guff. In the pet nutrition sector, Verlinvest and Five Seasons have backed Years, a company specializing in fresh-ingredient dog meals with extended shelf life.

Sector Focus: AI & Technology

Brookfield has significantly expanded its financing framework with Bloom Energy, increasing it fivefold to $25 billion since October 2025. This deepened partnership is geared towards building and financing rapid power solutions for AI infrastructure. The increasing integration of AI into HR and finance departments is prompting these functions to collaborate more closely, creating a "headcount paradox" AI forcing HR finance. In a notable startup funding round, DeepMind Gensyn angels have backed Xylo in a £2.8 million raise. Meanwhile, one AI founder opted for a $17 million deal with 20VC after considering bootstrapping.

Venture Capital & Startups

FPE has backed BMA, a software and services platform providing decision intelligence for utility companies and asset-intensive infrastructure operators. This investment highlights new avenues for private equity in the utility software sector New avenues open. In the UK, venture capital firms and startups are expressing divided opinions on the government's long-awaited defense investment plan Startups VCs divided. London-based Tapestry VC has closed an $80 million third fund to invest in repeat European founders, anticipating future AI-driven exits will spawn new entrepreneurial talent. Rick Hao, a former Speedinvest partner, has launched a $50 million solo GP fund for deeptech startups.

Corporate & Regulatory Developments

Klarna has emerged victorious in a $1.97 billion antitrust lawsuit against Google. In a significant unsolicited takeover approach, EQT made an offer for Perpetual, which was subsequently rebuffed by the Australian fund manager's board, which is holding out for a higher valuation. Discussions at the European Fund Finance Symposium revealed that secondary market buyers are increasingly comfortable with fund financing for CVs to optimize returns Secondaries investors grow comfortable.

Promotions & Management

Inflexion has announced several key promotions, with Sachin Mitra, James Stevens, and Freddy West all elevated to partner. The article also notes the hiring of a 'performance manager' by Alan Chang, prompting consideration for whether other CEOs should adopt similar roles.