The theme park design industry in the US is a dynamic blend of creativity and engineering, focusing on creating thrilling experiences for visitors. Various companies, from large corporations like Disney to boutique design firms, collaborate to craft everything from innovative rides to enchanting environments. Trends show a growing demand for immersive experiences powered by technology, such as virtual and augmented reality. As sustainability becomes a focus, many new designs integrate eco-friendly practices. With regional and seasonal attractions increasingly popular, the industry is poised for new growth, ensuring it continues to captivate audiences of all ages.


This list features a mix of corporate entities and private equity firms prominent in the theme park design sector. Based in cities spanning New York to Burbank, these investors vary in size from smaller firms like Providence Equity Partners to major players like Blackstone and Disney. Founded between 1912 and 1999, these companies have actively engaged in numerous deals over the past year, reflecting the industry's vibrancy and resilience in a post-pandemic landscape.


Top 11 Theme Park Design Investors in the US


1. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has engaged in several grant transactions that are relevant to the theme park design context. Notably, it provided funding for FlyOver Canada, which raised $99,999 in April 2023, and the Pacific National Exhibition, which secured $10,000,000 in June 2023. These investments demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting attractions that enhance tourism and entertainment, indicating its potential role as an investor in the theme park design industry.


2. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for creating value through strategic investments. Notably, Blackstone has made significant strides in the theme park and attractions industry, acquiring United Parks & Resorts for $2.9 billion in 2009, which expanded its portfolio in the leisure sector. In 2019, Blackstone Real Estate Partners IX acquired a 65% controlling interest in Great Wolf Resorts, further emphasizing its focus on enhancing guest experiences at these family-oriented resorts. Additionally, the acquisition of the Tussauds Group for £1 billion positioned Blackstone as the world's second-largest operator of tourist attractions and theme parks, showcasing its commitment to this industry. These transactions highlight Blackstone's active role in the theme park design and operations space, making it a key player in the sector.


3. Disney and ESPN Media Networks


Disney and ESPN Media Networks, a division of The Walt Disney Company, is a corporate investor based in Burbank, California. Founded in 2004, the company operates in various entertainment sectors, including movies, television, and theme parks. Disney is known for creating memorable experiences and storytelling through its iconic characters and franchises. Notably, Disney has made significant investments in companies that enhance the theme park experience, such as the acquisition of Lucasfilm and Pixar Animation Studios, both of which contribute to the rich storytelling and immersive experiences found in Disney parks. Furthermore, their investment in THE VOID, a company specializing in immersive entertainment experiences, showcases their commitment to innovation in theme park design. With a strong presence in the theme park industry, Disney and ESPN Media Networks is a key player in shaping the future of theme park experiences.


4. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has built a reputation for providing asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes. Among their notable transactions, KKR invested in PortAventura, a major theme park, in December 2013, highlighting their engagement in the theme park industry. Additionally, KKR's acquisitions of Landal GreenParks and Roompot, both focused on holiday parks in Europe, further illustrate their commitment to the leisure and entertainment sectors. These investments reflect KKR's strategy to leverage its expertise and resources to support growth in the leisure industry, making them a significant player in the theme park design context.


5. Tpg

  • Website: tpg.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1992
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: tpg-capital

TPG Inc. is a leading global alternative asset manager specializing in private equity and investment management, founded in 1992 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm manages $229 billion in assets across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and consumer markets. TPG serves institutional investors by providing diversified investment opportunities and strategic insights to enhance their portfolios. Notably, TPG has made significant investments in the entertainment sector, including a majority stake in Cirque du Soleil, valued at approximately $1.5 billion, which is closely tied to the theme park industry. They also acquired Caesars Entertainment for $27.8 billion, a major player in the leisure and entertainment space. Additionally, TPG's investment in Moretickets, a ticket resale platform, highlights their engagement in the consumer experience related to entertainment venues, further solidifying their relevance in the theme park design context.


6. Bowlero Corporation

  • Website: bowlerocorp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1938
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bowlero-corp

Bowlero Corporation is a leading bowling entertainment company based in New York, operating approximately 350 bowling centers across North America. Founded in 1938, Bowlero focuses on providing unique recreational experiences, including bowling, arcade games, and event hosting for families, friends, and corporate groups. In 2024, Bowlero made a significant move by acquiring Raging Waves, the largest water park in Illinois, which marks its entry into the water park segment and enhances its portfolio in the out-of-home entertainment space. This acquisition reflects Bowlero's strategy to diversify its offerings beyond traditional bowling centers and tap into the theme park and water park industry. Additionally, Bowlero has been actively acquiring various bowling centers, further expanding its national footprint, but the Raging Waves acquisition is particularly relevant as it aligns with the theme park design context.


7. Apollo Global Management, Inc.

  • Website: apollo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 46
  • LinkedIn: apollo-global-management-inc

Apollo Global Management, Inc. is a prominent asset management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative assets and retirement solutions. Founded in 1990, the firm manages a diverse portfolio across credit, private equity, and real assets, catering to institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients. Notably, Apollo has made significant investments in the leisure and entertainment sectors, including the acquisition of Great Wolf Resorts for approximately $157 million, which operates indoor water parks and resorts, highlighting their engagement in the theme park-related industry. Additionally, their investment in Legendary Entertainment for $760 million further emphasizes their interest in the entertainment sector, which often overlaps with theme park design and development. Apollo's integrated platform aims to empower retirees and provide innovative capital solutions, while also strategically investing in sectors that promise growth and engagement with consumers.


8. Providence Equity Partners


Providence Equity Partners is a private equity firm founded in 1989, based in Providence, Rhode Island, specializing in growth-oriented investments across media, communications, education, and technology sectors. The firm partners with management teams to provide capital and expertise, helping businesses achieve their growth potential. Notably, Providence has made significant investments in the entertainment and leisure sectors, including the acquisition of Populous, a firm recognized for its design of sports and entertainment venues, and TAIT, which specializes in the design and production of live events and attractions. Their acquisition of Kerzner International Limited, a company known for its luxury resorts and entertainment offerings, further highlights their engagement in the broader leisure industry. These transactions position Providence Equity Partners as a potential player in the theme park design space, as they have demonstrated an interest in companies that contribute to the design and operation of entertainment venues.


9. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. They provide a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has made significant investments in sectors related to entertainment and design. Notably, they acquired a majority stake in TAIT, an engineering firm recognized for its work in designing stages for major events, which showcases their engagement in the design aspect of entertainment. Additionally, their investments in Klook, a travel service that raised substantial funding, and Legendary Entertainment, a major player in the entertainment industry, further highlight their involvement in sectors that intersect with theme parks and entertainment design.


10. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in buyouts and investments across various sectors. Founded in 1984, Advent focuses on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies by providing capital and strategic guidance. Notably, Advent has made significant investments in the theme park industry, including the acquisition of Parques Reunidos in 2003 for approximately $194.8 million, which operates numerous theme parks and attractions globally. Additionally, their stake in Brazil's Cataratas do Iguacu highlights their engagement in the attractions sector, further emphasizing their relevance in theme park design and operations. Advent's diverse investment portfolio and strategic approach position them as a key player in the theme park design industry.


11. NBCUniversal

  • Website: nbcuniversal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nbcuniversal-inc-

NBCUniversal Media, LLC is a prominent media and entertainment company based in New York, New York, founded in 1912. It operates across various platforms, including NBC, Universal Pictures, and the streaming service Peacock, providing a wide range of entertainment services. Notably, NBCUniversal has made significant investments in the theme park sector, including the acquisition of Universal Studios Japan for $1.5 billion in 2015, which underscores their commitment to theme park design and operations. Additionally, their investment in Opry Entertainment Group, while not directly related to theme parks, reflects their broader interest in entertainment experiences. Their diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a key player in the theme park design industry.



Theme Park Design Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Disney and ESPN Media NetworksBurbank, California, United States (USA)10001+20047
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
TpgSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1001-5000199227
Bowlero CorporationNew York, New York, United States (USA)5001-1000019382
Apollo Global Management, Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000199046
Providence Equity PartnersProvidence, Rhode Island, United States (USA)51-20019893
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
NBCUniversalNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+19122


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