Infrastructure Trends 2026: Global Fundraising Slows While Investors Increase Targets

Infrastructure fundraising slowed notably in the first half of 2026 compared with the record highs of 2025, yet investor sentiment remains resilient as the asset class evolves and opportunities emerge. Several large funds are still seeking substantial capital, with expectations that fundraising volumes will pick up in the remainder of the year. AI continues to drive demand for data center construction, and the growing strain on electricity grids is fostering closer integration between digital infrastructure and power generation. As a result, traditional energy and utilities strategies raised more capital than energy-transition and renewables funds in the first half.

Amid ongoing liquidity constraints, investors are increasingly interested in infrastructure debt, which attracted nearly 40% more capital year over year in the first half, even as equity strategies continue to dominate fundraising. Liquidity challenges are also reshaping the market, with continuation vehicles — particularly single-asset structures — becoming a key tool for managers to retain high-growth assets while offering liquidity to investors.