Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 8:50 AM ET

Big Fundraising and Exits

Lovable has raised $400m backed by the EU’s Scaleup Fund at a $1.33bn valuation. Accel closed its ninth early-stage Europe fund at $800m, while drone startup Uforce is targeting upwards of a $4bn valuation in its next raise. HarbourVest held a final close of $4.75bn for its seventh flagship co-investment fund, targeting AI and healthcare innovation. Providence Equity Partners has agreed to sell ATG Entertainment in a reported $6bn deal to Ari Emanuel’s MARI. The transaction, which covers 70 venues across Broadway and London’s West End, was also covered by PE Hub.

Deals and Valuations

Blackstone and La Caisse are leading a $1.8bn minority investment for a 25% stake in Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty programme, valuing the business at about $7.2bn. Clearview-backed Capitol Services has acquired corporate services provider Wolz. Solar energy is drawing private equity interest, according to PE Hub. Meanwhile, US investors are raising questions over credit secondaries valuations during a PEI Group webinar on private debt.

Venture and Startup Trends

Fitness startup funding is rebounding, with over $3.6bn invested in the first half of the year, but investors now want AI and data rather than hardware. Deeptech founders are increasingly dictating term sheets in 2026, according to Sifted. An Ex-LocalGlobe trio is plotting a new VC firm. Investors have identified 16 energy startups to watch in Europe. Finally, lessons from Ukraine show how tech workers maintain morale amid war.