Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: September 21, 2026, 6:00 AM ET

Private Equity

Investindustrial’s growth arm Nexture has signed a deal to acquire La Crema, a Dubai-based manufacturer of chocolate and other food ingredients. The transaction extends the firm’s push into Gulf consumer and ingredients assets, where regional demand and premiumization have supported steady margins.

Venture Capital

Project Ventures hit a first close of $12M for its maiden fund, backing early-stage AI and deeptech startups. The solo GP model continues to draw LP interest despite a tougher fundraising backdrop, as investors concentrate capital in smaller, thesis-driven vehicles.

Startups

Sifted’s London Demo Day 2026 watchlist spotlights the student-led ventures drawing investor attention in the UK capital. Europe’s pitch to investors increasingly rests on moving AI from the screen into the real economy, spanning manufacturing, logistics, and industrial applications.

Events

Tech Crunch Disrupt 2026 ticket pricing ends in 6 days on Sept. 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with savings of up to $200 before the deadline. Organizers expect 10,000+ attendees as venture investors and founders converge on the conference circuit.