Private Funds Summary: July 2026 Transactions and Fundraising News

Key Market Indicators – July 2026

• Private Equity Fundraising Remains Strong: Francisco Partners’ $21.0 billion combined close led an active month for buyout fundraising, with several established managers closing funds above target or on accelerated timelines.
• Private Credit Maintains Momentum: Hayfin’s latest direct lending fund represented one of July’s largest closes, reflecting continued institutional demand for income-oriented strategies amid supportive credit markets.
• Infrastructure Attracts Significant Commitments: Large closes from Energy Capital Partners and Partners Group highlighted continued LP demand for energy transition, essential infrastructure, and inflation-sensitive assets.
• Industrials and Healthcare Lead M&A Activity: Industrials ranked first and healthcare second by disclosed deal value, anchored by large strategic acquisitions. Together, the sectors represented a substantial share of July’s disclosed M&A activity.

Executive Summary

July 2026 was an active month across private markets, with several large fund closes and sustained transaction volume across industrials, healthcare, and technology. Fundraising was particularly strong across private equity, infrastructure, and private credit, while both sponsors and strategic buyers remained active in the M&A market.

Dakota tracked 1,092 private capital transactions during the month, representing $189.2 billion of disclosed value, in addition to a meaningful number of transactions with undisclosed terms.

SOURCE OF DATA AND INSIGHTS: DAKOTA MARKETPLACE

The research and analysis in this report are powered entirely by Dakota Marketplace, the most comprehensive private markets database built for the institutional investment community. Dakota’s 60-plus person data team researched, verified, and maintained every data point referenced in these pages by hand, with real people who verify the information and update records with the rigor that institutional-grade intelligence demands. This report is the output. The database is the foundation.

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