The private equity firms industry in the US centers on raising capital to invest directly in companies or buy them out. Typically, firms target various stages of a company’s life cycle, from startups to mature businesses. Investors often employ leverage to amplify returns, engaging in innovation across healthcare, technology, and financial services. Currently, there is a growing trend toward impact investing, where firms focus on social responsibility alongside profitability. With market confidence returning, the industry anticipates increased deal flow and investment opportunities, enhancing value creation while navigating regulatory dynamics in the evolving economic landscape.

The list of private equity firms investors showcases a blend of private equity and venture capital firms located predominantly in major US cities like New York and Washington, D.C. Most firms range in size from hundreds to several thousand employees, with founding years spanning from as early as the 19th century to modern times. In 2024, these investors collectively executed over 400 transactions, exemplifying their active participation in the market. Notable investors on this list include Blackstone and KKR, both driving significant transactions in the past year.

Top 12 Private Equity Firms Investors in the US

1. 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 an investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has established itself as a leader in the private equity sector, offering a diverse range of services that include private equity, real estate, and credit solutions to both institutional and individual investors. The firm is known for its strategic approach to building strong businesses and delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio. In recent years, Blackstone has been involved in several notable transactions within the private equity context, such as acquiring a minority stake in Leonard Green & Partners and PAG, showcasing its commitment to investing in and supporting other private equity firms. In 2024 alone, Blackstone has made 57 investments, further solidifying its position as a key player in the private equity landscape.

2. 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 an investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Goldman Sachs provides a wide range of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management. The firm serves a diverse clientele, including corporations, financial institutions, and individuals, helping them navigate complex financial challenges and achieve their financial goals. In the realm of private equity, Goldman Sachs has been involved in several notable transactions, such as participating in funding rounds for Permira and Littlejohn & Co, both of which raised undisclosed amounts in private equity rounds. Additionally, Goldman Sachs was part of a significant funding round for Cadre, which raised $65 million in a Series C round, showcasing their commitment to investing in innovative companies within the private equity sector. Their diverse investment strategy and active participation in private equity transactions affirm their relevance in this category.

3. Audax Private Debt

• Website: audaxprivatedebt.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: audax-private-debt

Audax Private Debt is an investment firm based in New York, specializing in private debt solutions for middle market companies. Founded in 2000, the firm offers a variety of financing options, including senior debt, junior debt, and equity co-investments, primarily targeting private equity-backed businesses. Audax focuses on collaboration and tailored solutions to support its clients in achieving growth and strategic acquisitions. Notably, Audax has been involved in several significant debt financing transactions with prominent private equity firms, including The Carlyle Group, which raised funds in June 2020, and Apax Partners, which secured financing in April 2023. Additionally, they have worked with CITIC Capital Holdings, HGGC, and Ridgemont Equity Partners, all of which further emphasize their active role in the private equity landscape.

4. IFC - International Finance Corporation

• Website: ifc.org
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1956
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 107
• LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), founded in 1956 and based in Washington, D.C., is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. It provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty challenges and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the private equity sector, including a joint financing deal with Kasada, a private equity platform, where it contributed an $11 million loan to support the Kasada Hospitality Fund. Additionally, IFC participated in the funding round for Alterra Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on Africa's growth, showcasing its commitment to supporting private equity initiatives. Other transactions include its involvement in the acquisition of a majority stake in Saudi-Pak Commercial Bank, further illustrating its diverse investment strategy that includes private equity.

5. 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 leading 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 both institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes to achieve strong financial returns. In the private equity realm, KKR has been involved in notable transactions, including the acquisition of Arle Capital Partners in 2016 and the recent acquisition of the wealth management and corporate trust units of Perpetual Ltd. for approximately $1.43 billion in 2024. These transactions highlight KKR's active role in the private equity sector, further solidifying its position as a key player in the industry.

6. Kirkland & Ellis

• Website: kirkland.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1909
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 49
• LinkedIn: kirkland-%26-ellis-llp

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a leading law firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1909. The firm provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including intellectual property, litigation, restructuring, and transactional law. It serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 100 companies and growth-stage businesses, helping them navigate complex legal challenges across various industries. Kirkland & Ellis has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the private equity context, such as the acquisition of CNL Hotels and Resorts by Morgan Stanley's real estate arm for $6.6 billion, and the acquisition of Crescent Real Estate Equities Company for $6.5 billion. These transactions highlight the firm's active participation in significant deals that often involve private equity firms, showcasing its integral role in the industry.

7. Citi

• Website: citigroup.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1812
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 107
• LinkedIn: citi

Citigroup Inc., commonly known as Citi, is a prominent financial services company based in New York, New York, founded in 1812. It offers a comprehensive range of banking and investment services to individuals and businesses, including commercial banking, investment banking, and wealth management. Citi has been involved in various significant transactions that highlight its role in the financial ecosystem. For instance, it participated in a debt financing round for Silver Lake, raising over $1.1 billion, and supported ThinCats with a funding facility aimed at mid-sized SMEs in the UK. Additionally, Citi has engaged in debt financing for Advantage Capital and Merama, showcasing its active involvement in providing capital to businesses. The acquisition of Quilter Cheviot further illustrates Citi's strategy of expanding its investment portfolio through strategic acquisitions, making it a relevant player in the private equity landscape.

8. Stone Point Capital

• Website: stonepoint.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: stone-point-capital

Stone Point Capital is an investment management firm founded in 2005, based in the United States. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investment strategies, managing assets for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. Stone Point Capital aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns through strategic partnerships and investment opportunities across various sectors, including asset management, healthcare, and insurance. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Allvue Systems in 2015 and a joint acquisition of a majority stake in Focus Financial Partners, which was valued at approximately $2 billion in 2017. These transactions highlight Stone Point Capital's active role in the private equity market, reinforcing its commitment to investing in and growing companies within this sector.

9. Morgan Stanley

• Website: morganstanley.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1986
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 79
• LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the firm provides a wide range of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, families, corporations, and governments, helping them manage and grow their financial assets. The firm has a global presence and leverages its expertise to offer tailored financial solutions. Notably, Morgan Stanley has been active in the private equity sector, exemplified by their investment in Lafayette Square, which raised $100 million in a private equity round in January 2021. Additionally, their acquisition of a stake in Tikehau Capital in May 2019 further highlights their engagement in private equity transactions. These activities underscore Morgan Stanley's role as a significant investor in the private equity landscape.

10. 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 an asset management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative assets and retirement solutions. Founded in 1990, the firm manages a diverse portfolio that includes private equity, credit, and real assets, catering to institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients seeking financial security and growth. Apollo's integrated platform is designed to empower retirees and provide innovative capital solutions. Notably, Apollo has been involved in significant private equity transactions, such as the acquisition of MidCap Financial, a healthcare-oriented commercial finance company, and the acquisition of Bridge Investment Group. Additionally, Apollo's clients have entered into agreements to acquire stakes in companies like MaxCap Group, enhancing their growth and access to capital in the Australasian market. These transactions highlight Apollo's active engagement in the private equity sector, reinforcing its reputation as a leading investor in this field.

11. Wells Fargo

• Website: wellsfargo.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1852
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 42
• LinkedIn: wellsfargo

Wells Fargo & Company, founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a prominent financial services company that provides a comprehensive range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment management services. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Wells Fargo serves both individual consumers and businesses, emphasizing customer service and community engagement. In recent years, Wells Fargo has participated in various significant transactions, including debt financing for companies like W. P. Carey, Canal Road Group, and Realty Income Corporation, showcasing their active role in the financial markets. Additionally, their investment in Forge Global, Inc. highlights their engagement in funding rounds that may intersect with private equity interests, indicating a broader investment strategy that includes but is not limited to private equity.

12. The Carlyle Group

• Website: carlyle.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is an investment management firm based in Washington, D.C., specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. Founded in 1987, Carlyle serves a diverse range of institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, by providing tailored investment solutions and access to alternative asset classes. With a global presence and extensive expertise, Carlyle aims to drive long-term value for its clients. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Abingworth in April 2022, which highlights their active role in private equity investments. Additionally, their involvement in the acquisition of Mariner Energy LLC in 2004, alongside Acon Investments, further underscores their commitment to the private equity sector. Carlyle also participated in various funding rounds, such as the investment in Chronograph, a private markets technology company, showcasing their diverse investment strategy and ongoing engagement in the private equity landscape.

Private Equity Firms Insights: Key Investors in the US

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