The audio visual equipment rental industry in the US caters to a variety of clients, ranging from corporate events and concerts to weddings and exhibitions. Companies specializing in this sector provide essential equipment such as projectors, sound systems, and lighting to enhance experiences. In recent years, the trend towards remote and hybrid events has boosted demand for advanced audio video solutions, fueling innovation. As technology evolves, we see integrations with virtual reality and digital streaming reshaping service offerings. Sustained growth is expected as more industries recognize the value of high-quality audiovisual elements in engaging their audiences.


This article highlights 13 notable investors in the audio visual equipment rental sector. The list includes venture capital firms like 500 Global and corporate players like HARMAN International. Headquartered across strategic locations such as San Francisco and New York, these firms range from small teams to vast organizations. Founded as early as 1976, with their most recent being established in 2023, these investors have engaged in over 800 deals in 2024 alone, underscoring the vibrant activity within this niche market.


Top 13 Audio Visual Equipment Rental Investors in the US


1. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Set Scouter, a platform that aids in location scouting for film and production, which aligns with the audio visual industry. Additionally, they have been involved in various funding rounds for startups like Storefront, which, while primarily focused on retail space rentals, indicates a broader interest in rental and temporary space solutions that could intersect with audio visual equipment rental needs. Overall, 500 Global's diverse investment portfolio and focus on innovative startups position them as a potential investor in the audio visual equipment rental sector.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator participated in funding rounds for Fat Llama, a peer-to-peer rental marketplace that raised $10 million in a Series A round in 2018, and an undisclosed amount in a Seed round in 2017. Fat Llama's business model includes the rental of audio visual equipment, showcasing Y Combinator's involvement in the rental market, which could be relevant to the audio visual equipment rental sector. Additionally, Y Combinator has invested in other startups like Finnix and Ubiq, although these do not directly relate to audio visual equipment rental.


3. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In addition to providing funding, Intel Capital offers strategic support and access to Intel's extensive resources to help startups scale and innovate within the tech ecosystem. Notably, Intel Capital has made investments in companies like Audyssey Laboratories, which develops audio technologies, and Real Image Media Technologies, indicating their engagement in the audio sector. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's interest in audio technologies, which are integral to the audio visual equipment rental industry, further supporting their relevance in this space.


4. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors. The fund has been involved in various transactions, including investments in companies like Light Field Lab, which is pioneering large holographic displays. This technology could have applications in the audio visual sector, particularly in creating immersive experiences. Their investment strategy appears to encompass a broad range of innovative technologies, which may include aspects relevant to audio visual equipment, although their primary focus is not explicitly on this sector.


5. 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 a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle has established itself as a leader in alternative asset classes. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in the audio visual sector, including the acquisition of disguise, a company known for its innovative live event visualization solutions, and LiveU, which specializes in live video transmission technology. These strategic investments reflect Carlyle's commitment to driving long-term value in the audio visual equipment rental industry, alongside its broader investment portfolio.


6. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Among their notable transactions, they have acquired several companies in the audio equipment sector, including DPA Microphones in 2013, Blue Microphones in 2013, and Teufel Audio in 2006. These acquisitions highlight Riverside's commitment to investing in the audio visual equipment industry, positioning them as a potential investor in audio visual equipment rental businesses as well.


7. Summit Partners

  • Website: summitpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: summit-partners

Summit Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1984. The firm specializes in growth equity, providing capital and resources to category-leading companies primarily in technology, healthcare, and life sciences. Summit Partners has a notable history of investing in the audio visual equipment sector, with transactions including AMX, a company known for its audio visual control systems; M-Audio, which produces audio interfaces and equipment; and Bowers & Wilkins, a high-end audio equipment manufacturer. These investments highlight Summit Partners' engagement with companies that are integral to the audio visual equipment landscape, showcasing their capability to support businesses in this industry as they seek to expand and succeed in their markets.


8. HARMAN International

  • Website: harman.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stamford, Connecticut, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: harman-international

HARMAN International Industries, Inc. is a leading audio electronics company founded in 1980 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. With over 10,000 employees, HARMAN designs and engineers connected products and solutions for various sectors, including automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the audio visual equipment sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of AMX LLC, which specializes in enterprise control and automation systems, and SVSi, known for its networked AV products. These acquisitions have been integrated into HARMAN's professional offerings, enhancing their capabilities in the AV market. Additionally, HARMAN acquired Martin Professional, a company recognized for advanced AV and lighting systems, further solidifying its position in the audio visual equipment landscape. Through these transactions, HARMAN demonstrates a commitment to innovation and leadership in audio technologies, making it a relevant investor in the audio visual equipment rental industry.


9. 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 prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments. Founded in 1985, the firm offers a diverse range of services, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions to both institutional and individual investors. Blackstone is known for its strategic acquisitions and partnerships aimed at enhancing business growth and value. Notably, in June 2018, Blackstone acquired PSAV, a leading provider of event experiences, which includes audio visual equipment rental services. This acquisition highlights Blackstone's commitment to the audio visual sector. Additionally, Blackstone has made various investments across different industries, including a recent acquisition of Trystar, an electrical equipment provider, which may also intersect with the audio visual equipment space. Overall, Blackstone's extensive portfolio and strategic focus on growth make it a significant player in the investment landscape, including the audio visual equipment rental industry.


10. Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. Critical Response Team


Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. Critical Response Team is a corporate investor based in Laurel, Florida, specializing in equipment rental across various industries, including construction and event management. Founded in 2014, the company has grown to become one of the largest equipment rental firms in North America. Notably, they have made significant acquisitions to expand their portfolio, including the acquisition of William F. White International in December 2019, which is a key player in the film and production equipment rental market. This move highlights their strategic interest in the audio visual sector, driven by the increasing demand for media content. Additionally, they have acquired other rental companies such as Nor-Val Rentals and Underground Safety Equipment, further solidifying their presence in the rental industry. These transactions reflect Sunbelt Rentals' commitment to diversifying their offerings and enhancing their capabilities in various rental markets, including audio visual equipment.


11. Fortune Ventures

  • Website: fortunevc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maple Valley, Washington, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: fortune-ventures

Fortune Ventures, founded in 2000 and based in Maple Valley, Washington, is a corporate venture capital firm that specializes in investment management and consulting services. The firm focuses on various sectors, including information technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, providing capital and strategic guidance for growth. Notably, Fortune Ventures has made significant investments in the audio visual equipment rental industry, particularly through their involvement with Little Bear Rental, where they participated in both Series A and Series D funding rounds, raising substantial amounts of capital. This demonstrates their active role in supporting businesses within the audio visual rental space, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


12. Platinum Equity

  • Website: platinumequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: platinum-equity

Platinum Equity is a private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in mergers, acquisitions, and operations management, focusing on investing in established companies across various industries. With a portfolio of approximately 50 companies and managing over $48 billion in assets, Platinum Equity provides capital and operational expertise to enhance growth and profitability. Notably, they acquired Electro Rent Corporation in 2016 for approximately $382 million, a company that specializes in the rental of electronic test equipment, including audio visual equipment. This acquisition highlights their involvement in the audio visual equipment rental sector. Additionally, they have made other significant acquisitions, such as NESCO Specialty Rentals, which, while primarily focused on equipment rentals, showcases their broader investment strategy in the rental industry.


13. 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 established itself as a leader in asset management, providing solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm has been involved in various significant transactions, including investments in Sonos, a company known for its audio products, and Magic Leap, which focuses on augmented reality technology. Notably, KKR's acquisition of Hitachi Kokusai Electric highlights their commitment to the audio visual sector, as this company operates in video and communication solutions. Furthermore, KKR's recent acquisition of Dawsongroup, an independent asset leasing business, aligns with their strategy to support sustainable growth and could enhance their position in the equipment rental market, including audio visual equipment.



Audio Visual Equipment Rental Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Summit PartnersBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)51-200198413
HARMAN InternationalStamford, Connecticut, United States (USA)10001+19800
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. Critical Response TeamLaurel, Florida, United States (USA)51-20020140
Fortune VenturesMaple Valley, Washington, United States (USA)11-50200026
Platinum EquityBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)201-500199520
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674


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