Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 5:35 PM ET

Venture Capital & AI Enthusiasm

Joshua Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, has cautioned Silicon Valley venture capitalists against excessive enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence. In his inaugural investment letter, Kushner emphasized the substantial AI opportunity while simultaneously warning that "it would also be a grave error in our minds to let excitement weaken our investment discipline." This sentiment comes as AI-related funding continues to dominate headlines, though a call for prudence is emerging from within the industry.

Major Funding Rounds and Sector Focus

The past week saw significant capital injections across various sectors, with Databricks raising an additional $5 billion. This latest round follows a similar $5 billion raise just eight months prior. Other substantial financings included an AI neolab, investments in data center and electricity storage solutions, and the defense industry. In parallel, Battery Ventures is backing Vetspire, an AI operating system for veterinary practices, aiming to accelerate product development and AI capabilities for veterinary teams.

Private Equity Dealmaking and Expansion

Private equity firms are actively pursuing diverse investment strategies. Behrman-backed Shurco has acquired manufacturer Heavy Motions Inc., expanding its operational reach. In the nutraceuticals space, firms including Butterfly Equity, Graham Partners, and Wise Equity are reportedly engaging with assets. Concurrently, Astorg is in the process of a $1 billion carve-out of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s microbiology business, driven by demand for antimicrobial testing.

Fundraising and International Growth

European private equity is also seeing significant activity. EQT's Scaleup Europe Fund has debuted with an initial €450 million investment in ICEYE, backing the satellite operator at a €10 billion valuation. In the realm of distressed assets, private credit players like Pimco and Pollen Street are reportedly considering a €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) non-performing loan portfolio from Italy's BFF Bank. Meanwhile, UK spinout investor Northern Gritstone is expanding its global footprint with a new office in San Francisco.

Institutional Investor Activity

Institutional investors are also signaling their intentions in the private markets. The Weymouth Retirement Board has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for private equity co-investment managers, indicating a strategic move to allocate capital within this asset class. This search for co-investment partners underscores the ongoing interest from public pension funds in private equity strategies.