Who’s driving TMT deal preparation 

Technology, media, and telecom (TMT) is capturing attention as deal activity accelerates. This momentum is exciting, and it's nowhere close to stopping. 

Even more notably, it's the buy-side that's driving this growth, with deal preparation up 49% year over year. 

That's an important signal to keep watching. 

In fact, Datasite platform data shows that new TMT projects across the Americas rose 20% from July 2025 through June 2026, with more than 170 projects reported in June alone. The Western U.S. holds the largest regional share of TMT activity, with California leading the charge. 

Sell-side activity, by contrast, remained essentially flat. 

What trends are behind the recent buy-side activity?

Specific subsectors stealing the spotlight 

Before turning to the standout area, here’s how the major subsectors performed:

• Enterprise Software and SaaS remained the largest subsector by volume, but activity was flat year over year. 
• FinTech and Financial Services grew 15%. 
• Industrial Technology and Manufacturing increased 10%. 

So, where are buyers currently targeting?  

Data, AI, and Analytics. This subsector grew 48% year over year, revealing a clear theme: AI is influencing not only where the market is moving, but also how buyers are placing their bets. 

Adopting a selective approach 

Corporate development teams, private equity firms, and strategic acquirers are increasingly active—but only when the right opportunities emerge. 

That momentum is defined less by volume than by a disciplined, selective approach. 

Buyers are prioritizing areas with clear applications and near-term value, including:

• AI 
• Data infrastructure 
• Analytics 
• Financial technology 

They are also exploring smaller categories, including defense and public sector technology, as well as logistics and mobility. 

And with the buy-side prioritizing deals in these areas, the energy behind launching these deals is high. 

Narrowing the gap from creation to launch 

Excitement around certain sectors may be accelerating deal launches. The median time from project creation to launch fell by half, from 16 days to eight cutting the time required to stand up a live deal room. 

In a market where buyers are becoming more active, that speed matters. 

Looking ahead 

Teams that can move quickly from interest to preparation to diligence are positioning themselves to compete for high-quality assets. That agility is a key differentiator in a competitive market. 

For more insights and information, watch the full TMT sector spotlight video and stay up to date with the market with our Sector Spotlight series.