The investment casting industry in the US specializes in producing high-precision metal parts using a method that allows for complex designs without excessive machining. Companies in this sector fabricate components for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. Investment casting offers benefits like reduced waste and improved surface finish. As manufacturers increasingly adopt advanced technologies, including 3D printing and automation, the industry is poised for growth. Moreover, the move towards lightweight materials for energy efficiency emphasizes innovation and sustainability, paving the way for new methods and applications within the investment casting space.


The list features a mix of private equity, corporate, and venture capital investors, primarily located in major US cities like New York and Chicago. Founded between 1939 and 2023, these firms have a wide span in size, from small teams to large entities with thousands of employees. In 2024, these investors collectively engaged in various deals, reflecting their active involvement in the investment casting sector and demonstrating their strategic interest in driving growth and innovation. They provide essential support and capital to firms at the cutting-edge of manufacturing.


Top 13 Investment Casting Investors in the US


1. 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 global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional and individual investors. Among their notable transactions, KKR completed the acquisition of Hyperion Materials & Technologies in July 2018, a key player in the investment casting industry, which highlights their strategic interest in this sector. Additionally, KKR has been involved in various funding rounds, such as Precipart in October 2023, further demonstrating their active engagement in industries related to manufacturing and materials. Their extensive expertise and resources enable them to navigate complex investment landscapes, making them a significant investor in the investment casting domain.


2. 3D Systems Corporation

  • Website: 3dsystems.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: 3d-systems

3D Systems Corporation, founded in 1986 and based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a prominent corporate investor in the additive manufacturing sector, specializing in 3D printing technologies and solutions. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in various industries, including aerospace and healthcare. Notably, their acquisition of American Precision Prototyping and Machining in 2014 aimed to enhance their aerospace capabilities, which often overlap with investment casting applications. Additionally, their acquisition of Laser Reproductions for $17.4 million and other companies like Design Prototyping Technologies and Quickparts further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their manufacturing services and capabilities. These transactions reflect 3D Systems' strategy to integrate advanced manufacturing solutions that can be relevant to investment casting processes, making them a significant player in this field.


3. 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 workforce of over 1,000 employees, 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. Among its notable transactions, Carlyle acquired Paradigm Precision in 2013, a company known for its precision casting capabilities, which is directly relevant to the investment casting industry. In 2019, Carlyle also acquired Forgital Group for $1 billion, a company that produces forged and cast components, further emphasizing its engagement in sectors related to investment casting. Other transactions, such as the acquisition of AFGlobal Corp and Firth Rixson, showcase Carlyle's strategic investments in engineering and manufacturing firms, reinforcing its expertise and commitment to driving long-term value for its clients in various industries, including investment casting.


4. 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 delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and investment strategies. Notable transactions include a $4.2 billion acquisition of Nalco, which, while not directly related to investment casting, showcases their capacity for large-scale investments. Additionally, their investment in Energy Alloys highlights their commitment to supporting growth in industrial sectors, which may intersect with investment casting needs. The recent acquisition of JJ Tools further emphasizes their interest in manufacturing tools and equipment, potentially relevant to the investment casting industry. Overall, Blackstone's diverse investment approach and strategic acquisitions position them as a significant player in the broader industrial landscape.


5. Ryerson

  • Website: ryerson.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1842
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ryerson

Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc. is a metal processing and distribution company founded in 1842, based in Chicago, Illinois. The company serves various industries, including transportation and industrial automation, by offering a wide range of metal products and processing services. Ryerson has been actively expanding its capabilities through acquisitions, including Howard Precision Metals, a major aluminum distributor, and Apogee Steel Fabrication, which specializes in metal processing services. These acquisitions enhance Ryerson's network and capabilities in metal fabrication, which is relevant to investment casting. Additionally, Ryerson's acquisition of Laserflex Corporation, a specialist in laser fabrication and metal processing, further indicates their commitment to expanding their metal processing capabilities. Overall, Ryerson's strategic acquisitions position them as a significant player in the metal industry, potentially including investment casting.


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. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Notably, Riverside has made significant investments in the investment casting sector, including the acquisition of Keycast, a manufacturer in the steel casting industry, which highlights their commitment to this area. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of Zetkama, although specific details on its focus are less clear. Riverside's approach to investing in various industries, including manufacturing and engineering, positions them as a versatile investor capable of supporting growth in the investment casting market.


7. Reliance, Inc.

  • Website: reliance.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1939
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: reliance-rs

Reliance, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Scottsdale, Arizona, founded in 1939. As a metal solutions provider, Reliance specializes in a diverse range of metal products and processing services, catering to various industries, including aerospace and automotive. The company operates through a network of subsidiaries, ensuring efficient distribution and customer service. Notably, Reliance has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the metal industry. These include the acquisition of National Specialty Alloys in April 2012, which enhances their alloy offerings, and GH Metal Solutions, also acquired in October 2012, which likely contributes to their processing capabilities. More recently, in December 2021, Reliance acquired Admiral Metals and Nu-Tech Precision Metals, further expanding their portfolio in metal solutions. These transactions highlight Reliance's commitment to strengthening its capabilities in metal processing, which is closely related to investment casting.


8. 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 (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in Fast Radius, which raised $499,994 in a Series B round, and multiple funding rounds for ARRIS, a company focused on advanced manufacturing and 3D printing. ARRIS raised significant amounts, including $34 million in a recent funding round and $48.5 million in a Series B round, indicating the fund's interest in innovative manufacturing technologies that align with investment casting processes.


9. 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) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., the IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, facilitating access to capital and expertise to promote economic growth. The IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty challenges and promoting sustainable development. Notably, the IFC has engaged in various transactions that reflect its investment strategy, including a $20 million investment in Ramkrishna Forgings, a company involved in the forging industry, which is closely related to investment casting. Additionally, the IFC has participated in funding rounds for companies like Craftsman Automation and RIMA Group, which may also have relevance to the manufacturing sector. These transactions highlight the IFC's commitment to supporting industries that contribute to economic development, including those involved in casting and forging processes.


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 specializing in alternative assets and retirement solutions. Founded in 1990 and based in New York, the firm manages a diverse portfolio across credit, private equity, and real assets, serving institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients. Notably, Apollo has made significant acquisitions in industries related to investment casting, including Arconic, acquired for $5.2 billion in May 2023, which is involved in advanced manufacturing processes including investment casting. They also acquired Metals USA in 2005, a company that provides metal products, further linking them to the investment casting sector. In 2024, Apollo announced the acquisition of U.S. Silica Holdings, which, while primarily focused on silica products, also serves industries that utilize investment casting. These transactions highlight Apollo's strategic interest in sectors that intersect with investment casting, making them a relevant investor in this space.


11. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984, based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, providing capital and strategic guidance to help companies achieve growth. Advent operates globally, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Notable transactions include the acquisition of H.C. Starck in 2006, a company known for its advanced materials, which could be relevant to investment casting. In 2005, Advent acquired Synventive Molding Solutions, a company that specializes in molding technologies, further indicating their involvement in sectors related to manufacturing processes. Additionally, their acquisition of Roehm in 2019 for over $3.4 billion highlights their capacity to invest in significant manufacturing-related companies. These transactions reflect Advent's strategic interest in industries that may intersect with investment casting, making them a noteworthy investor in this context.


12. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. Founded in 2015, the firm has built an extensive portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status. In 2024 alone, FJ Labs has made 169 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Fictiv, which raised $100 million in Series E funding in May 2022 and $15 million in Series B funding in May 2018. Fictiv operates in the on-demand manufacturing space, which is relevant to investment casting. Additionally, they invested in Metalbook, which raised $15 million in Series A funding in July 2023, focusing on metal supply and procurement, further aligning with the investment casting industry. These transactions highlight FJ Labs' engagement with companies that have direct relevance to manufacturing and materials, making them a noteworthy investor in the investment casting sector.


13. CORE Industrial Partners

  • Website: coreipfund.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: coreipfund

CORE Industrial Partners is a private equity firm based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in capital investment and operational support for lower middle market businesses in manufacturing, industrial technology, and industrial services. Founded in 2016, the firm partners with business owners to implement growth strategies and optimize operations, leveraging their extensive experience to create long-term value. Notably, CORE has made significant acquisitions in the manufacturing sector, including Incodema and Newcut, which they acquired to form Incodema Holdings, emphasizing their commitment to advanced digital manufacturing. They also acquired Prototek, a rapid prototyping service provider, which may have applications in investment casting processes. These transactions highlight CORE's focus on innovative manufacturing solutions, making them a relevant player in the investment casting industry.



Investment Casting Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
3D Systems CorporationRock Hill, South Carolina, United States (USA)1001-500019860
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
RyersonChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)1001-500018421
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Reliance, Inc.Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (USA)10001+19392
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Apollo Global Management, Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000199046
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
CORE Industrial PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)11-5020163


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