The dyes and pigments industry in the US is crucial for color application across various sectors like textiles, coatings, and plastics. Companies range from large chemical manufacturers to innovative startups focusing on sustainable practices and bio-based alternatives. The industry is evolving, with a significant push towards eco-friendly solutions due to environmental concerns. Trends indicate a growing preference for natural dyes, which could reshape traditional manufacturing methods. As companies increasingly prioritize sustainability, the integration of advanced technologies is likely to enhance production efficiency and reduce waste, signaling a transformative phase for this vital industry.


This article features 18 notable investors in the dyes and pigments sector, spanning venture capital, private equity, and corporate firms. Located across major US cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., these investors vary in size from small teams to large organizations with thousands of employees. Founded from 1956 to 2015, these firms have shown significant interest in supporting innovation, as evidenced by their 2024 deal counts, which range from a few to over 170 transactions. Their activities underscore a commitment to funding advancements in color solutions.


Top 18 Dyes and Pigments Investors in the US


1. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, SOSV has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Pili, a French biotech company focused on biobased indigo production. Pili raised significant amounts in several rounds, including $4.06 million in a Series A round in June 2019, $4.71 million in a venture round in March 2021, and $15.8 million in a Series A round in February 2023. These transactions highlight SOSV's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the dyes and pigments industry, particularly those that emphasize sustainability and eco-friendliness.


2. IndieBio

  • Website: indiebio.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 76
  • LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including climate and food. Notably, IndieBio has invested in Huue, a San Francisco startup that is developing bio-based dyes. They participated in several funding rounds for Huue, including a $14.6 million Series A round in July 2022, as well as earlier seed rounds in 2019. This involvement highlights IndieBio's commitment to advancing sustainable solutions in the dyes and pigments industry, making them a relevant player in this space.


3. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, particularly in agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions with P2 Science, a company that develops sustainable chemical solutions, including a $12 million Series C financing round and a $9.55 million Series B financing round. These investments highlight Advantage Capital's interest in companies that may contribute to the dyes and pigments industry through innovative and sustainable practices.


4. 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. Among their notable transactions, they have acquired several companies in the specialty chemicals sector, including DuBois, which focuses on specialty chemicals and solutions, and Capol, which is involved in the production of specialty coatings and additives. Their acquisition of Rutland Group and Primalex also highlights their engagement in sectors that may intersect with dyes and pigments, reinforcing their relevance in this industry.


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, based in Washington, D.C. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit, Carlyle serves a diverse range of institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. The firm has a global presence and extensive expertise in driving long-term value for its clients. Among its notable transactions, Carlyle acquired Nouryon B.V. in October 2018 for approximately $11.7 billion, a company that produces specialty chemicals, including dyes and pigments. In February 2013, Carlyle also acquired Axalta Coating Systems for $4.9 billion, a leader in coatings that often utilize pigments. These strategic investments highlight Carlyle's engagement in sectors that are integral to the dyes and pigments industry, showcasing their capability to influence and support growth in this area.


6. Ppg

  • Website: ppg.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1883
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: ppg-industries

PPG Industries, Inc., founded in 1883 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading manufacturer specializing in paints, coatings, and specialty materials. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including automotive and aerospace, providing innovative solutions that enhance product performance and aesthetics. PPG has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the coatings market, including the acquisition of Hemmelrath, an automotive coatings manufacturer, and Industria Chimica Reggiana, which specializes in automotive refinish and industrial coatings. Additionally, PPG acquired Deutek SA, a Romanian paint and varnish manufacturer, further expanding its footprint in the coatings sector. These transactions highlight PPG's commitment to enhancing its product offerings in areas closely related to dyes and pigments, making it a significant player in the industry.


7. SK Capital Partners


SK Capital Partners is a private investment firm based in New York, specializing in the specialty materials, ingredients, and life sciences sectors. Founded in 2007, the firm focuses on transforming portfolio companies through strategic investments and operational improvements, aiming to create sustainable value for its stakeholders. Notably, SK Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the dyes and pigments industry, including the acquisition of Archroma, a leader in color and specialty chemicals, and Venator Materials, which specializes in pigments and additives. Additionally, their investment in Techmer PM, a company that provides color and additive solutions, further highlights their commitment to enhancing growth and efficiency in the specialty materials sector. Through these investments, SK Capital leverages its extensive industry expertise to partner with businesses and drive innovation in the dyes and pigments market.


8. 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, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC aims to foster economic growth and address poverty through sustainable development. Among its notable transactions, IFC has invested in companies relevant to the dyes and pigments sector, such as Laxmi Organic Industries, which raised approximately $8.99 million in a venture round in 2011, and Hikal Ltd., which secured $50 million in a private equity round in 2021. These investments highlight IFC's engagement in the chemicals industry, which encompasses dyes and pigments, thereby reinforcing its role as a significant player in this sector.


9. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984 and based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Advent has a global presence and partners with companies to provide capital and strategic guidance to help them achieve growth. Among its notable transactions, Advent acquired Allnex in 2013 for $1.13 billion, a company known for its resins and coatings, which are integral to the dyes and pigments market. In 2019, Advent acquired Roehm for approximately $3.4 billion, a company that operates in the specialty chemicals sector, further emphasizing its commitment to investing in industries related to chemicals. Additionally, Advent's acquisition of Viakem, a fine chemicals producer, highlights its engagement in the broader chemicals landscape, which includes crop protection chemicals that may intersect with dyes and pigments applications.


10. 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 based in New York, founded in 1998. The firm provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. Among their notable transactions, Goldman Sachs participated in the acquisition of Flint Group, a significant player in the printing-ink market, for over $3 billion in 2014. This acquisition aimed to support Flint's growth strategy in printed packaging and reduce its debt, highlighting Goldman Sachs' involvement in the chemicals sector. Additionally, they have engaged in various funding rounds and equity raises, such as their investment in IndigoPaints and Godavari Biorefineries, which, while not directly related to dyes and pigments, showcase their active role in the broader materials and chemicals landscape.


11. Collaborative Fund

  • Website: collabfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 29
  • LinkedIn: collaborative-fund

Collaborative Fund is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2010, that focuses on backing innovative companies across various sectors, including renewable energy, consumer goods, and health technology. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and startups aiming to create positive societal and environmental impacts. Notably, Collaborative Fund has invested in companies like Modern Meadow, which develops novel biomaterials, and AlgiKnit, which produces kelp-based yarn. These investments highlight their interest in sustainable materials, which could relate to the dyes and pigments industry, particularly in the context of eco-friendly and innovative solutions. Their investment strategy is centered around identifying businesses that align with their mission of pushing the world forward, making them a potential fit for investors interested in sustainable practices in the materials sector.


12. 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 provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes. The firm has a global reach and leverages its extensive expertise to support its clients' investment needs. Notably, KKR has made significant investments in companies relevant to the dyes and pigments industry, such as Knowlton Development Corporation (KDC/ONE), which focuses on beauty and personal care products, and Coty, a major player in the cosmetics sector. These investments highlight KKR's involvement in sectors that utilize dyes and pigments, further emphasizing their relevance in this industry context.


13. 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, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and operations management. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $48 billion in assets and has a portfolio of approximately 50 companies across various industries. Notably, Platinum Equity has made significant investments in the dyes and pigments sector, including the acquisition of DyStar Textilfarben GmbH & Co. KG, a prominent player in the dyes industry, from major chemical companies like BASF AG, Bayer AG, and Hoechst AG in 2004. This acquisition highlights their strategic interest in enhancing growth and profitability in the dyes and pigments market. Additionally, their diverse portfolio includes companies like American & Efird, a leading manufacturer of industrial and consumer sewing thread, which may also relate to the broader textile and dyeing industries. Overall, Platinum Equity's operational expertise and capital investment strategies position them as a relevant investor in the dyes and pigments sector.


14. 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 strategic investment approaches. Notably, Blackstone has been involved in several significant transactions that touch upon the chemical and materials industries. For instance, it participated in multiple funding rounds for Rive Technology, a company focused on catalyst technology, which is crucial for refining processes that can relate to the production of dyes and pigments. Blackstone led Series C, D, and E financing rounds for Rive, indicating a strong interest in advancing technologies that could impact the chemical sector. Additionally, Blackstone's acquisition of Polymer Group, Inc. further highlights its engagement in industries that may overlap with dyes and pigments, as PGI operates in the materials space. Furthermore, Blackstone's $4.2 billion acquisition of Nalco, a company involved in water treatment and chemical solutions, showcases its broader interest in the chemical industry. Overall, while Blackstone is not exclusively focused on dyes and pigments, its investments in related sectors suggest a potential relevance to this category.


15. RPM International Inc.


RPM International Inc. is a corporate investor based in Medina, Ohio, specializing in the manufacturing of coatings, sealants, and building materials. Founded in 1947, the company serves a diverse customer base, including construction professionals and DIY enthusiasts, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. RPM has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its product offerings and market presence. Notably, it acquired Kirker Enterprises in 2012, marking its entry into the cosmetics industry with a focus on nail enamels, which often involve the use of dyes and pigments. Additionally, RPM's acquisition of SPS Group in 2016, a Dutch decorative and specialty coatings company, aligns with its strategy to expand in the coatings market, which is closely related to the dyes and pigments sector. These transactions highlight RPM's commitment to diversifying its portfolio and enhancing its capabilities in areas that intersect with dyes and pigments.


16. Wind Point Partners

  • Website: wppartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: wind-point-partners

Wind Point Partners is a private equity firm based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in middle-market investments. Founded in 1984, the firm partners with business owners and executives to provide capital and strategic guidance, focusing on long-term value creation. Their expertise spans various sectors, including business services, consumer products, and industrial products. Notably, Wind Point has made several acquisitions in the specialty chemicals space, such as ArrMaz in 2003 and Ascensus Specialties in 2007, both of which are involved in chemical formulations that could relate to dyes and pigments. Additionally, their acquisition of Pestell Group in 2018, which includes minerals and ingredients, may also connect to the broader chemical industry. These transactions indicate a capability to invest in sectors that could include dyes and pigments, although their primary focus may not be exclusively on this niche.


17. Material Impact

  • Website: materialimpact.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: material-impact

Material Impact is a venture capital firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in building deep tech companies powered by material science innovations, providing funding and comprehensive support to startup founders. Their focus spans various industries, including robotics, biomanufacturing, and sustainable products, aiming to address urgent human needs through innovative solutions. Notably, Material Impact has invested in Huue, a San Francisco startup developing bio-based dye, which raised $14.6 million in a Series A funding round. They also backed Werewool, which secured $3.7 million in seed funding to develop biodegradable fibers with protein-based color properties. Additionally, their investment in DetraPel, which focuses on PFAS-free and plastic-free coatings for textiles, further emphasizes their commitment to innovations in materials that can impact the dyes and pigments industry.


18. 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 across credit, private equity, and real assets, catering to institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients. Notably, Apollo has made significant investments in the chemicals sector, including the acquisition of Taminco Group Holdings, the largest independent global producer of alkylamines, for approximately €1.1 billion in 2012. This acquisition positions Apollo within the chemical industry, which is closely related to dyes and pigments. Additionally, Apollo acquired KEM ONE in 2021, further solidifying its presence in the chemical market. These transactions indicate Apollo's engagement in sectors that are relevant to dyes and pigments, enhancing its profile as a potential investor in this industry.



Dyes and Pigments Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
PpgPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)10001+18830
SK Capital PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020073
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Platinum EquityBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)201-500199520
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
RPM International Inc.Medina, Ohio, United States (USA)10001+19470
Wind Point PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)11-5019843
Material ImpactBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-1020154
Apollo Global Management, Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000199046


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