Private equity (PE) continues to be a cornerstone of global M&A and capital markets, shaping how businesses operate, grow, and transform.

Web Summit 2025, held from 10 to 13 November in Lisbon, Portugal, convened global leaders in technology, investment, and innovation. The event drew more than 71,000 participants from 157 countries, including a record number of investors—a clear indication of renewed confidence in technology-led growth and cross-border deal-making.

Our team attended this flagship annual conference to gain first-hand insights and distil key takeaways on investor sentiment and IPO outlook within the technology sector—critical themes shaping capital markets and future deal flow.

Industry leaders recently joined Nasdaq TradeTalks to share how organisations are adapting to a rapidly changing deal environment—what’s powering the next wave of M&A in 2026, the impact of regulation and tariffs, and the practical strategies companies are using to stay competitive. Jill Malandrino hosted an expert panel featuring:

Virtual data rooms (VDRs) have seen a significant rise in usage for managing financial reports, contracts, and other critical documents, all while ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access. These platforms effectively address security and privacy requirements, providing numerous advantages for users. 

Our client, AprilBio, needed to confidentially connect with prospective licensees interested in licensing of its novel and well-differentiated asset which offers significant potential across a wide array of neuroimmune diseases. Information disclosed included proprietary and sensitive information such as preclinical data and exclusive R&D findings for new, potent therapies. Using a general-purpose file sharing service was deemed unacceptably risky.

Find out why AprilBio selected DFIN’s Venue® Virtual Data Room solution for this project.

A Virtual Data Room (VDR) is a secure online platform designed to store, share, and manage sensitive documents during critical stages of the private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) fund lifecycle. From fundraising to GP/LP reporting and exits, VDRs provide a centralized solution for compliance, transparency, and efficiency.

On 19 September 2025, French geolocation-based dating app Happn announced its acquisition by Hello Group, a leading Chinese social networking and entertainment platform. This strategic move strengthens Hello Group’s global presence in the online dating market and enhances its technology portfolio.

This year’s London Life Sciences Week was another fantastic opportunity to connect with innovators, investors, and industry leaders shaping the future of healthcare and biotech. The week commenced with the LSX Investival Showcase, proudly sponsored by DFIN for the seventh consecutive year—a milestone that reflects our deep commitment to the life sciences ecosystem.

On 28 October 2025, DFIN proudly partnered with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) in Singapore to support the Asia Pacific Capital Markets Forum. This influential event brought together leading voices from Ashurst, Peel Hunt, and DFIN, alongside special guest Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi, to explore why London continues to be a compelling venue for Asia Pacific companies seeking global capital access.

Featured speakers:

An IPO is never just a financing exercise—it’s a rigorous compliance and stakeholder management challenge. From due diligence and prospectus drafting to the execution of the listing process, every step directly impacts a company’s reputation and its future in the capital markets.

For advisors, the complexity lies not only in meeting regulatory requirements but also in orchestrating efficient collaboration across multiple stakeholders, geographies, and time zones.