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Simplicity Group Buying Aptus Wealth And Adds Josh Pick New Partner

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

Simplicity Group Holdings, a leader in financial product distribution and advisory services, has announced the strategic acquisition of Aptus Wealth, a rapidly growing Registered Investment Advisor that originated within Aptus Marketing—now known as Simplicity Columbus.

Nuro: $203 Million Series E Raised At $6 Billion Valuation For Advancing Autonomous Driving Technology

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

Nuro, a company known for its autonomous driving technology, has raised $203 million in Series E funding, valuing the company at $6 billion. Investors include Uber, NVIDIA, Baillie Gifford, Kindred Ventures, Icehouse Ventures, and Pledge Ventures. This round follows $106 million raised earlier in April 2025, with past investors like T. Rowe Price, Fidelity, Tiger Global, Greylock Partners, and XN.

International Paper Selling Fibers Business For $1.5 Billion To AIP

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

International Paper, a major company in sustainable packaging, is implementing significant changes to reduce costs and enhance service. They have agreed to sell their Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF) business to American Industrial Partners (AIP) for $1.5 billion.

PGIM: $619 Million Final Closing Of Middle Market Energy Credit Fund

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

PGIM closed its second private credit fund for middle-market energy companies, called PGIM Energy Partners II (PEP II), with $619 million from a mix of existing and new investors. The fund attracted institutions like insurance companies, pension funds, and family offices.

CalSTRS: Kirsty Jenkinson Named As Senior Investment Director

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) has appointed Kirsty Jenkinson as Senior Investment Director of Private Markets and Sustainable Investment and Stewardship Strategies (SISS). Jenkinson, who joined CalSTRS in 2019, played a key role in launching and growing the multi-asset class SISS Private Portfolio and has led the organization’s net-zero strategy since 2021.

Farsight Buys Presentable AI To Improve Workflow Automation

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

Farsight has acquired Presentable AI to enhance workflow automation in the financial services industry. This move enables Farsight to enhance PowerPoint slide editing using natural language, strengthening its position as a leader in automation.

Dragos Capital: Commercial Real Estate Platform Expanded With Acquisition Of CVS-Leased Portfolio

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

Dragos Capital, a renowned privately held investment firm specializing in high-quality companies and premium real estate, has recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring a selection of retail properties featuring 18 CVS tenancies. This strategic move marks a pivotal moment in the firm's efforts to enhance its presence in the triple-net (NNN) lease real estate sector.

Neuberger Berman: First Interval Fund Launched

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

Neuberger Berman has launched the NB Asset-Based Credit Fund, its first interval fund aimed at individual investors. The fund is managed by the Specialty Finance group and aims to provide a high level of current income. It does this by investing in short-term, asset-based credit across several sectors, including receivables lending, consumer finance, small businesses, real assets, revenue-based loans, and public asset-based securities.

Inflexion Selling European LifeCare Group

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

Inflexion, a major private equity firm in Europe, has agreed to sell its investment in European LifeCare Group (ELCG), the largest vaccination provider in Europe, to another European private equity group.

Blackstone To Buy Shermco For About $1.6 Billion

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

Blackstone has announced that its private equity funds will acquire Shermco for about $1.6 billion. Shermco is a leading company that provides comprehensive electrical equipment services throughout the entire life cycle. It is being sold by private investment firm Gryphon Investors.

Macquarie Asset Management: $405 Million Secured For Vertelo

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) has raised $405 million for Vertelo, a platform focused on electrifying fleets in India. This funding includes $205 million from institutional investors and $200 million in concessional capital from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Other supporters include the Macquarie Green Energy Transition Solutions Fund (MGETS), Allianz Global Investors, and Australian Ethical.

Basic Capital: $25 Million Series A Raised For 401(k) Platform

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

Basic Capital, a 401(k) platform, recently raised $25 million in a Series A funding round. This funding was led by Forerunner and Lux Capital, with contributions from SV Angel, Box Group, and notable investors like Henry Kravis. New investors include HOF Capital and Inspired Capital.

ScienceLogic: Interview With Co-Founder & CEO Dave Link About The Evolution Of AI, Automation, And Observability

By Amit Chowdhry ● Aug 24, 2025

ScienceLogic is a leading software and service vendor that delivers intelligent automation and observability solutions for AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) and IT Operations Management (ITOM). Pulse 2.0 interviewed ScienceLogic founder and CEO Dave Link to gain a deeper understanding of the company.