Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: July 23, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Matador Resources and Blackstone Lead M&A and Fundraising Activity

Matador Resources Company is set to acquire EnCap-backed Paloma Permian for nearly $1.3 billion, also agreeing to purchase undeveloped acreage in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico from Ridge Runner Resources. Meanwhile, Blackstone is nearing its target for its latest flagship fundraising, with Strategic Partners Fund X aiming for $22.5 billion, making it the second-largest active fundraise in the secondaries market. Step Stone's venture capital secondaries fund has surpassed $1 billion, attracting a $50 million commitment from Ohio's public school employees' pension fund.

Sector-Specific Investments and Acquisitions Showcase Broad PE Interest

In the healthcare sector, New Spring-backed Vybe Urgent Care has acquired two Liberty Urgent Care centers in Pennsylvania. Decathlon has invested in the health tech firm Health Endeavors. Fundamental Advisors has acquired aerial services operator Blue Sky Helicopters, which serves utility, government, and public safety clients. Oaktree-backed GA Group has acquired Trampe Settles, a family law litigation support firm. In the energy sector, Ridgewood Infrastructure-backed MN8 is acquiring power producer Greenbacker for $375 million. Tinicum is backing specialty chemicals distributor GracoRoberts. Vesterra Capital has acquired facilities maintenance platform PHFM.

Technology and Services Firms Attract Growth Capital and Acquisitions

Tocqueville Asset Management has secured growth capital from Leon Financial Network to generate long-term enterprise value. Tayeh Capital has invested in C-suite advisory firm Council Advisors. Nazca Capital has acquired Madrid Artes Digitales, a creator of immersive cultural experiences. Coalesce Capital has invested in cybersecurity provider Worksheet, with sources indicating Monomoy is in advanced sale talks for concrete manufacturer Cast-Crete. Separately, Coalesce Capital has purchased Workstreet amid growing cybersecurity challenges related to AI and regulatory compliance. Bregal Sagemount is taking a majority stake in ATOZ Services, an administration and governance provider for private equity, private credit, and real estate clients. Nordic Capital plans to sell life sciences software provider ArisGlobal.

Venture Capital Sees Large Rounds and Edtech Investments

The trend of billion-dollar-plus funding rounds continues, with 60% of global startup funding this year, approximately $320 billion, going to rounds of $1 billion or more. Separately, an edtech platform called Imagi has raised a $4.5 million seed round, including investments from Brighteye Ventures, Day One Capital, and Will.i.am raises $4.5M.

Secondaries Market Dynamics and Investor Sentiment

The secondaries market is experiencing record volumes, with private real estate managers actively using these strategies, shedding their reputation as a last