Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: July 31, 2026, 11:32 AM ET

AI and Tech Funding Surges

Smallest.ai secured $13M to develop human-like voice AI, aiming to pass the Turing test in phone calls. Meanwhile, Ellis AI emerged from stealth with $10M in seed funding for its AI platform targeting private credit managers. These investments highlight a strong trend in AI development and its application across various sectors, with seed rounds between $5M and $10M clustering in areas like cancer therapeutics and space tech this year.

Senior Care and Healthcare Investments

The senior care sector, with firms like Goldman Sachs, Brightstar Capital, Hidden River, and Pacific Avenue actively transacting. Goldman Sachs, Brightstar, and Health Wave are specifically targeting opportunities driven by supply and demand gaps in senior care services. In a related healthcare move, Apax Partners is reportedly nearing a €1.5bn deal for medical packaging, incentivized by sustainability trends is incentivizing deals.

Platform Investments and Acquisitions

Platinum Equity invested in lighting company LMPG, with the founder and management team rolling over significant equity. KKR-backed Spectris announced its acquisition of sensor business Sentech, expanding its portfolio in high-tech precision instrumentation. Elsewhere, Palladian made an investment in Global Vehicle Group, while Apheon-backed Haudecoeur bolstered its food business segment with two new additions. Capitol Meridian Partners also as an operating partner, bringing her McKinsey & Company experience to the firm.