2026 Perspectives in Private Equity: AI & Technology

March 31, 2026

 While technology remained a popular target industry for private equity investors in 2025, nervousness around valuations meant dealflow in certain parts of the market was slower than expected. Tech M&A rebounded globally, with deal value up more than 75% year-on-year to nearly $480 billion by mid-December. Almost half of the larger deals recorded by Bain & Company involved AI-native companies or cited AI benefits.