In 2026, capital is still available. But it is flowing toward teams that can prove traction, control diligence, and run a repeatable process across borders, sectors, and check sizes. Equity is reopening, selectively. Investors are leaning into AI-enabled platforms, infrastructure-adjacent plays, and specialized industrial opportunities, while demanding tighter narratives, cleaner data rooms, and realistic milestone-based raises. Energy and “real asset” deals are back in focus. From drilling programs to power infrastructure and commodity-linked transactions, buyers are pressing for faster verification, clearer title and documentation, and credible counterparties before allocating time or fees. Digital outreach is maturing. Cold email and investor targeting are shifting from volume to deliverability, segmentation, and compliance-safe list building, with measurable funnels replacing ad hoc outreach. Operational rigor is becoming a differentiator. Centralized cloud documentation,...