21 Top-Performing Private Equity Firms
21 Top-Performing Private Equity Firms
The private equity industry involves investment firms that primarily invest in private businesses. There are many types of firms that fall into this category, including venture capital firms, growth equity firms, leveraged buyout firms, and real estate private equity firms, among others. These firms offer substantial capital solutions to companies in need, often aiming at making strategic improvements to result in a more profitable sale in the future. Given the intricacies of the global economy and the ever-evolving nature of industry landscapes, the field of private equity appears to be headed towards further diversification and globalization.
Top 21 Private Equity Firms
1. Bain Capital
- Website: baincapital.com
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Founded: 1984
- Headcount: 1001-5000
Bain Capital is a global private investment firm that offers bespoke capital solutions for companies, entrepreneurs, and asset owners. They combine expertise in credit, equity, corporate, and real assets to provide innovative financing options where traditional providers cannot.
2. Advent International
- Website: adventinternational.com
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Founded: 1984
- Headcount: 201-500
Advent International is a global private equity investor that has been partnering with companies for nearly 40 years. They help companies reach new markets, embrace new technologies, launch new products, and achieve long-term growth. Their partnerships with management teams have overcome challenges and stood the test of time.
3. Gaw Capital
- Website: gawcapital.com
- Headquarters: Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
- Founded: 2005
- Headcount: 1001-5000
Gaw Capital Partners is a private equity fund management company specializing in real estate markets in Asia Pacific and high barrier-to-entry markets globally.
4. Vista Equity Partners
- Website: vistaequitypartners.com
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States
- Founded: 2000
- Headcount: 501-1000
Vista Equity Partners is an investment firm that focuses on accelerating and transforming businesses in the enterprise software industry. With over two decades of experience, they combine unparalleled knowledge and financial discipline with an entrepreneurial spirit. Their portfolio of companies represents one of the world's largest enterprise software companies, advancing the digital world.
5. Apax
- Website: apax.com
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom
- Founded: 1981
- Headcount: 201-500
Apax is a global investment firm with expertise in buyouts, growth, impact, and mid-market investments. They partner with companies in the technology, healthcare, and internet/consumer sectors, offering operational excellence and proprietary solutions to drive value. Their inclusive culture fosters collaboration and ownership, inspiring growth and innovation. Apax leverages their sector-driven approach and digital expertise to help portfolio companies capitalize on digital opportunities. With a focus on creating societal and environmental impact, Apax Global Impact aligns with their sector-driven strategy. Through their global presence, Apax provides access to a wide range of operating skills and market insights.
6. Altamar CAM Partners
- Website: altamarcapital.com
- Headquarters: Madrid, Comunidad De Madrid, Spain
- Founded: 2004
- Headcount: 201-500
Altamar Capital is a global investment firm providing financial and advisory services. They specialize in private equity, real estate, and infrastructure investments. With a focus on institutional and family office clients, Altamar Capital offers a wide range of investment solutions.
7. Siparex
- Website: siparex.com
- Headquarters: Paris, Ile-De-France, France
- Founded: 1977
- Headcount: 51-200
Siparex is an independent French private equity group that finances and supports the development of companies from startups to mid-sized enterprises. With over €3 billion in assets under management, Siparex offers a multi-specialist platform that provides funding and guidance for entrepreneurial ventures. Their expertise spans various sectors, including energy transition, healthcare, and technology.
8. Kelso & Company
- Website: kelso.com
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Founded: 1971
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Series Unknown
Kelso & Company is a North American-focused middle market private equity firm with a rich and differentiated history. With over 40 years of experience, we have invested $15 billion of equity capital. Our approach is built on a strong alignment of interest and a long-term partnership mindset. Our team of experienced investment partners and strong core values make us an attractive partner for management teams, business owners, and corporations.
9. MiddleGround Capital
- Website: middlegroundcapital.com
- Headquarters: Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Founded: 2018
- Headcount: 51-200
MiddleGround Capital is a middle-market private equity firm that specializes in investing in and partnering with companies to help them grow and build long-term value.
10. Aqua Capital
- Website: aqua.capital
- Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Wyoming, Brazil
- Founded: 2009
- Headcount: 11-50
Aqua Capital is a private equity firm that invests in innovative and sustainable businesses across the Agribusiness and Food value chain. They aim to be the preferred partner for mid-sized, high-potential companies in the sector.
11. MGG Investment Group LP
- Website: mgginv.com
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Founded: 2014
- Headcount: 11-50
MGG Investment Group is a trusted private lending partner that offers bespoke investment solutions to middle market companies. They provide growth capital, acquisition capital, and bridge loans, among other transaction types. Their team of experienced professionals helps owners and management teams build lasting value and solve complex situations. MGG invests across the capital structure, including senior secured debt financings and equity investments.
12. Ufenau Capital Partners AG
Ucp.ch is an investment partner that supports management teams in accelerating organic growth and growth by acquisition. They invest in profitable service companies with robust business models, seeking majority participations. They offer business owners the opportunity to sell majority shareholdings or their entire company, providing individual succession solutions. Their investment focus is on prospering companies with revenues of EUR 10-150m, and they provide operational know-how and capital in a straightforward manner.
13. Seaport Capital
- Website: seaportcapital.com
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Founded: 1997
- Headcount: 11-50
Seaport Capital is a leading private equity firm specializing in lower middle market investments. With a focus on the communications services, business and information services, and media sectors, we partner with talented management teams to grow businesses organically and through acquisitions.
14. WOOD & Company
WOOD & Company is an investment group with a global scope and over 30 years of experience in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) markets. We provide insight and access to emerging financial markets and products. Our services include asset and wealth management, private investment, venture investment, and real estate funds. We aim to simplify the complex world of finance and offer a simple, pleasant, and easy-to-understand platform for investors.
15. Gca
- Website: gcaglobal.com
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
- Founded: 2004
- Headcount: 501-1000
GCA Global is a premier global investment bank that offers financial advisory services to private fund sponsors and limited partners worldwide. They serve as an advisor, agent, and advocate for their clients, helping them achieve their strategic objectives through thoughtfully executed transactions.
16. NXT Capital
- Website: nxtcapital.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2010
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Acquired
NXT Capital's Direct Lending Group provides cash flow-based financing solutions to private equity, sponsor-owned, and middle-market companies. With a senior team of experienced professionals, NXT Capital offers flexibility in deal structure, certainty of close, and straightforward communication.
17. Ridgemont Equity Partners
- Website: ridgemontep.com
- Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
- Founded: 1993
- Headcount: 51-200
Ridgemont is an investment partner that helps companies accelerate their growth and achieve shared growth objectives. They provide strategic support, M&A opportunities, and resources to help businesses succeed.
18. CEC Capital
- Website: china-ecapital.com
- Headquarters: Beijing, Beijing, China
- Founded: 2000
- Headcount: 51-200
China Ecapital is an investment banking firm offering financial advisory services and capital raising solutions to companies in China. They specialize in merger and acquisition transactions, private equity financing, and asset management.
19. Hellman & Friedman
- Website: hf.com
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
- Founded: 1984
- Headcount: 51-200
The company specializes in investing in sectors with deep domain expertise, offering tailored value creation plans to support long-term growth.
20. Clearlake Capital Group
- Website: clearlake.com
- Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States
- Founded: 2006
- Headcount: 51-200
- Latest funding type: Private Equity
Clearlake is a leading private investment firm founded in 2006. They specialize in differentiated approach to investing through deep industry knowledge, operational expertise, flexible solutions, and long-term partnerships.
21. ScaleCo
- Website: scaleco.com
- Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Founded: 2018
- Headcount: 51-200
ScaleCo is an investment company that focuses on backing entrepreneurs to transform and scale their businesses. They invest in profitable, transformable companies and provide capital, talented operators, and expert-led support. ScaleCo seeks to build a community of like-minded investors seeking to compound capital through ownership.
Want to find more private equity firms?
If you want to find more companies that offer tailored investment and capital solutions you can do so with Inven. This list was built with Inven and there are hundreds of companies like these globally.
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- Ownership: Which of these are private equity backed? Which are family-owned?
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...and a lot more!
