The lighting equipment for cinematographers industry in the US focuses on designing and providing innovative lighting tools tailored for filmmaking and video production. Companies range from established lighting manufacturers to tech startups developing smart lighting solutions that enhance visual storytelling. The industry emphasizes advancements such as energy efficiency, LED technologies, and integration with digital production environments. As shooting styles evolve with improved technologies, the demand for adaptable lighting equipment grows, driving projects that reflect the shift towards sustainability and enhanced creativity. This transformation hints at a future where lighting plays a more pivotal role in cinematic expression.


The list features a blend of investors, including private equity firms, corporate investors, and venture capitalists, shaping the US lighting equipment sector. These investors hail from cities like New York and San Francisco and vary in size from small firms to large corporations. Established from 1976 to 2023, they executed a noteworthy 2024 deal count, reflecting their active role in growth and innovation. Their investment strategies cater to a wide spectrum of companies—supporting technologies and solutions that cater to the unique needs of cinematographers, enhancing their creative capabilities.


Top 18 Lighting Equipment for Cinematographers Investors in the US


1. 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. 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. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has been involved in various significant transactions, including the acquisition of TAIT, an engineering firm recognized for designing stages for major events, which aligns with the entertainment industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Spectrawatt and Axsun Technologies, although these are not directly related to lighting equipment. Their investment in SureFire, a company that may have relevance in the lighting and tactical equipment space, further illustrates their engagement in sectors that could intersect with cinematography and lighting technologies.


2. 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 a diverse portfolio. Notably, they have made significant investments in technology and media-related companies, such as the acquisition of disguise, a leading provider of live event visualization solutions, which aligns with the needs of cinematographers for advanced lighting and visual technologies. Additionally, their acquisition of NEP Group, a company involved in broadcast services, further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that support cinematography and live events. These transactions highlight Carlyle's strategic interest in enhancing visual production capabilities, making them a potential player in the lighting equipment space for cinematographers.


3. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. NEA partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. Among their notable transactions, NEA has invested in Lytro, a company that developed the Lytro Cinema light-field camera system, which raised significant funding across multiple rounds (Series A, B, C, and D) totaling over $200 million. This involvement highlights NEA's commitment to innovative technologies that enhance cinematography, particularly in lighting solutions. Additionally, NEA invested in Soraa, a company focused on LED lighting technology, further emphasizing their interest in the lighting sector.


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 both institutional investors and individual clients. The firm operates globally, leveraging its extensive expertise to navigate complex investment landscapes. Notably, KKR has made significant investments in the lighting sector, including a major acquisition of a 70% stake in NVC China, a subsidiary of NVC Lighting, for USD794 million in 2019. This acquisition highlights KKR's strategic interest in the lighting industry. Additionally, KKR has been involved in financing transactions for companies like Clarience Technologies, which may intersect with lighting technology, further emphasizing their engagement in sectors related to lighting equipment.


5. Autodesk

  • Website: autodesk.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is a corporate investor based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1982. The company specializes in design and engineering software solutions across various industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. In recent years, Autodesk has made significant strides in the media and entertainment sector, enhancing its portfolio with strategic acquisitions. Notably, Autodesk acquired Colorfront Ltd. to bolster its digital film business with advanced color correction technology, which is essential for cinematographers. Furthermore, the acquisition of Moxion, a cloud-based production tool, allows Autodesk to provide filmmakers with innovative resources to streamline their production processes. Additionally, Autodesk's investment in Arcturus, which focuses on improving 3D data capture, aligns with the evolving needs of cinematographers in the digital age. These transactions highlight Autodesk's commitment to supporting the film industry and enhancing the tools available to cinematographers.


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. Notable transactions include the acquisitions of DPA Microphones and Blue Microphones in 2013, both of which are significant players in the audio equipment market, relevant to the cinematography industry. Additionally, Riverside's acquisition of Commonwealth Laminating & Coating and Moss further demonstrates its active role in sectors that may intersect with the needs of cinematographers. Their focus on transformative growth positions them as a potential investor in the lighting equipment sector, as they seek to expand their portfolio into related areas.


7. Philips Wellcentive

  • Website: usa.philips.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Alpharetta, Georgia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: wellcentive

Philips Wellcentive, a corporate investor based in Alpharetta, Georgia, is part of the larger Philips company, which was founded in 2005. Philips is recognized for its diverse range of products, including consumer electronics, healthcare solutions, and notably, lighting technologies. The company has made several strategic acquisitions in the lighting sector, including Lighting Technologies International in 2007 and The Genlyte Group in 2008, which was a significant $2.7 billion deal aimed at enhancing Philips' position in the North American lighting market. Additionally, Philips acquired Philips Indal in 2011, further solidifying its commitment to the lighting industry. These transactions highlight Philips' focus on energy-efficient lighting solutions, which are essential for cinematography, making them a relevant player in this space.


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

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 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 Light Field Lab, which is developing holographic display technology that could have applications in cinematography, and Deako, a startup focused on smart light switches. These investments highlight the fund's interest in innovative lighting solutions and technologies that could enhance the cinematography industry.


9. Hax

  • Website: hax.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 55
  • LinkedIn: hax

Hax is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They specialize in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. Hax aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies through a collaborative environment and extensive networks. Notably, Hax has invested in Monogram Creative Console, which raised funds in both 2022 and 2023. This company focuses on creating innovative tools for creative professionals, including lighting solutions, which aligns with the interests of cinematographers. Other investments, such as those in Alpine Labs, Blinkiverse, and Mofily, showcase Hax's diverse portfolio, although they are less directly related to lighting equipment for cinematographers.


10. Battery Ventures

  • Website: battery.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: battery-ventures

Battery Ventures is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1983. The firm specializes in technology investments across various growth stages, providing not only capital but also business development, talent acquisition, marketing, and leadership analytics to help its portfolio companies scale effectively. Among its notable transactions, Battery Ventures invested in Luminus Devices, which raised $38 million in Series D funding in 2006 and $21 million in Series C funding in 2005. Luminus Devices is known for its advanced lighting technologies, which are particularly relevant to the cinematography industry. This involvement highlights Battery Ventures' interest in the lighting sector, making it a potential investor for companies focused on lighting equipment for cinematographers.


11. Acuity Brands

  • Website: acuitybrands.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1898
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: acuitybrands

Acuity Brands, Inc. is a leading lighting manufacturer and building management solutions provider based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1898, the company specializes in a diverse array of lighting products and intelligent building management systems tailored for various sectors, including commercial and residential markets. Acuity Brands has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the lighting industry, including the acquisition of Renaissance Lighting, an innovator in LED architectural lighting, which enhances their capabilities in solid-state lighting. Additionally, their acquisition of Juno Lighting Group, known for its tunable LED products, further strengthens their portfolio in lighting solutions that are applicable to cinematography. Other notable acquisitions include eldoLAB, a designer of intelligent drive solutions for LED-based lighting, and Adura Technologies, which focuses on wireless controls and energy management solutions. These transactions reflect Acuity's commitment to advancing lighting technology, making them a relevant player in the lighting equipment sector for cinematographers.


12. 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 corporate investor based in Stamford, Connecticut, specializing in audio electronics and connected products for various sectors, including automotive and entertainment. Founded in 1980, HARMAN has made significant strides in enhancing its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in December 2012, HARMAN acquired Martin Professional, a company renowned for its advanced AV and lighting systems, which bolstered HARMAN's capabilities in serving customers in the entertainment industry. Other acquisitions, such as SVSi and AMX, further demonstrate HARMAN's commitment to integrating innovative technologies across its offerings. These transactions highlight HARMAN's strategic focus on enhancing its technology leadership and expanding its solutions in the audio-visual domain, making it a relevant player in the lighting equipment sector for cinematographers.


13. Khosla Ventures

  • Website: khoslaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 97
  • LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Khosla Ventures has a notable track record of investing in companies related to lighting technology, including Soraa, which raised $88.6 million in Series B funding in 2011 and focuses on LED lighting solutions. They also invested in SLD Laser, which raised $4.5 million in Series A funding in 2013, specializing in laser lighting technologies. Furthermore, Khosla Ventures participated in funding rounds for Light Field Lab, a company developing holographic display technology, which has applications in entertainment and could intersect with cinematography. These transactions highlight Khosla Ventures' active role in the lighting equipment sector, making them a relevant investor for cinematographers.


14. 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. The firm offers a wide range of services, including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets, catering to individuals, families, corporations, and governments. With a global presence and a workforce exceeding 10,000, Morgan Stanley leverages its expertise to provide tailored financial solutions. In the context of the cinematography industry, Morgan Stanley has been involved in significant transactions such as Crafty Apes, which raised funds in both 2024 and 2019, indicating ongoing support for companies in the media sector. Additionally, their investment in Grass Valley, which raised $220 million in debt financing in 2024, further highlights their commitment to supporting businesses that are integral to the film and media production process, including lighting equipment and technology. Furthermore, their earlier investments in Novalux, a company focused on lighting solutions, further solidify their relevance in this niche market.


15. Audax Private Equity


Audax Private Equity is a private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investment management and capital growth, partnering with middle-market companies across various sectors. Audax employs a Buy & Build strategy, aiming to optimize the value of its portfolio companies through targeted investments and operational support. Notably, Audax has been involved in transactions such as the investment in Cinelease, a company that provides lighting and grip equipment essential for cinematography, indicating their engagement in the film production industry. Additionally, they have made investments in companies like AAMP Global and Academy Fire Life Safety, showcasing their diverse portfolio. Their typical investment range is between $25 million to $500 million, reflecting their capacity to support significant growth in their portfolio companies.


16. Silicon Valley Bank

  • Website: svb.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 31
  • LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, specializing in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. They offer a range of products including business banking, global payments, and asset management, helping clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth. Notably, Silicon Valley Bank has participated in funding rounds for companies like Lumenpulse, which raised $16 million in Series A funding in 2011, focusing on advanced lighting solutions. They also invested in LensVector, a company that raised $30 million in Series C funding, which could relate to imaging technologies. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their interest in the lighting technology sector, making them a relevant player in the cinematography lighting equipment space.


17. Ambienta

  • Website: ambientasgr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Milan, Michigan, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: ambienta-sgr

Ambienta is a private equity firm based in Milan, Michigan, specializing in sustainability-driven investments. Founded in 2007, it manages over €3 billion in assets across private equity, public markets, and credit, focusing on companies that address environmental challenges. Ambienta's investment strategy includes notable acquisitions in the lighting sector, such as Tower Light, an Italian producer of lighting towers, and Collingwood Lighting, which further solidifies its presence in the lighting equipment market. These investments reflect Ambienta's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to sustainable practices in the lighting industry, making them a relevant player for investors interested in lighting equipment for cinematographers.


18. 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. Notably, TPG has made strategic acquisitions in the film and entertainment sector, such as Cinespace Film Studios for $1.1 billion and Studio Babelsberg, which enhance their portfolio in the media production space. These investments reflect TPG's commitment to supporting the infrastructure necessary for film production, which inherently includes lighting equipment for cinematographers. Additionally, TPG's acquisition of Entertainment Partners further emphasizes their engagement in the entertainment industry, potentially linking them to the needs of cinematographers.



Lighting Equipment for Cinematographers Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
AutodeskSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)10001+198212
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Philips WellcentiveAlpharetta, Georgia, United States (USA)51-20020050
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
HaxSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201255
Battery VenturesBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)51-200198323
Acuity BrandsAtlanta, Georgia, United States (USA)10001+18981
HARMAN InternationalStamford, Connecticut, United States (USA)10001+19800
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679
Audax Private EquityBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)201-50019995
Silicon Valley BankSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)5001-10000198331
AmbientaMilan, Michigan, United States (USA)51-20020075
TpgSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1001-5000199227


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