US public pension funds increased private equity commitments by 24% last year despite continuing pressure from weak distributions, putting $100.9bn into the asset class during 2025, according to new Nasdaq eVestment data.
Engine Ventures has hired former Oak HC/FT partner Michelle Daubar as partner and head of investor relations and capital formation, adding a fundraising executive who has helped raise almost $10bn of institutional capital during her private-markets career.
EQT has launched a dedicated Middle East investment platform and opened an Abu Dhabi office, putting private equity and infrastructure professionals on the ground as the $389bn alternatives manager expands its investment operations across the Gulf.
Connect Ventures has reached a $55m first close for its fifth fund, as the European early-stage investor sharpens its strategy around technically led companies in AI, infrastructure, hardware, robotics and biotech.
Private equity giant Advent International is targeting $3bn for its first dedicated global mid-market buyout fund, building on positive performance from its existing investments in the segment.
The British Business Bank has launched a £140m debt and equity fund for smaller businesses in the East of England, completing its rollout of targeted investment funds across every UK nation and English region outside London.
Public equities have overtaken private markets as the leading destination for new family-office capital in 2026, but private equity and direct investments remain core holdings as wealthy investors become more selective about where they deploy money, according to Citi Wealth.
Eight in 10 US private equity firms are now holding portfolio companies for at least five years, while an even larger proportion expect acquisition prices to rise over the coming 12 months as competition for assets intensifies, new BDO research shows.