Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:58 AM ET

Deal Sourcing

A16z has enlisted 30+ venture scouts to hunt for early-stage deals across Europe, deepening its sourcing network amid intensifying competition. The grassroots network expansion signals how top-tier firms are reaching startups earlier than rivals. QMUL spinouts are looking to raise fresh capital as university tech commercialization gains traction with investors. The scout model allows investors to source deals across diverse geographies without heavy overhead, while university spinouts offer a pipeline of deep-tech opportunities that traditional funds often overlook.

Portfolio Companies

Lendable says it is more constrained by capacity than ideas as it chases the superapp dream, prioritizing execution over expansion. The fintech's candid assessment highlights scaling challenges facing fast-growing lenders in Europe's crowded market. Meanwhile, Pleo is navigating a culture crisis marked by an executive exodus and unhappy staff, with sale speculation swirling. The internal turmoil could complicate any acquisition as investors weigh cultural risks alongside financial metrics. Capacity constraints may force Lendable to prioritize fewer, higher-impact products, while culture-driven value erosion at Pleo underscores the need for operational due diligence in tech deals.