Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 5:33 AM ET

Data Center Acquisitions

Deal momentum in the engineering sector is being fueled by strong demand for AI infrastructure. Cube Infrastructure is set to divest Firstcolo, a Frankfurt-based colocation data center operator, to CVC. This transaction underscores the strategic importance of data center assets in the current market. Firstcolo operates facilities crucial for supporting the burgeoning needs of artificial intelligence.

Venture Capital and Startups

London continues to be a vibrant hub for founders and venture capitalists, with numerous meetups planned for the upcoming year. Investors are particularly keen on emerging technologies, with VCs identifying 10 drone startups as having significant growth potential in 2026. The city's active ecosystem offers fertile ground for innovation and investment in these nascent fields.

European Investment Landscape

The first half of 2026 saw significant activity from Europe's public funds. A review of the 30 most active public funds highlights key players shaping the investment landscape across the continent. Meanwhile, London's startup funding scene is anticipating a surge in 2026, bolstered by a robust calendar of founder and VC meetups.