Private Equity Firms in South Korea

Adams Street Partners is a leading global private markets investment manager headquartered in Chicago. Established in 1972, the firm has over five decades of experience in private equity, offering a comprehensive suite of investment strategies including venture capital, growth equity, buyouts, private credit, and secondary investments. The firm is 100% employee-owned, fostering a culture of alignment and long-term commitment to its clients. With a presence in more than 30 countries across five continents, Adams Street Partners leverages its extensive network and deep industry insights to identify and capitalize on investment opportunities. The firm's global footprint includes offices in key financial centers such as Austin, Beijing, Boston, London, Menlo Park, Munich, New York, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto, enabling it to maintain close relationships with portfolio companies and investors worldwide. Managing approximately $62 billion in assets under management, Adams Street Partners serves a diverse client base comprising corporate and public pension plans, foundations, family offices, and endowments. The firm's commitment to excellence and innovation in private markets investment management has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner for institutional investors seeking long-term value creation.

Ardian is a leading global private investment house headquartered in Paris, France. Founded in 1996 by Dominique Senequier as AXA Private Equity, the firm became independent in 2013 and rebranded as Ardian. Today, it is majority-owned by its employees, reflecting a commitment to long-term alignment with clients and stakeholders. With over $176 billion in assets under management or advisement, Ardian operates across private equity, real assets, and credit. Its private equity expertise includes buyouts, expansion capital, and secondaries, while its real assets portfolio encompasses infrastructure and real estate investments. Ardian also offers customized solutions tailored to institutional and private wealth clients. Ardian maintains a global presence with 19 offices across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, employing over 1,050 professionals. The firm's investment approach emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and value creation, aiming to support companies in achieving long-term growth and positive impact.

Bridgepoint Group plc is a leading international alternative asset manager focused on middle-market private equity and private credit. Founded in 1984 as part of NatWest and spun out in 2000, the firm is headquartered in London and publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2021. It manages over €39 billion in assets across a family of funds targeting mid-cap buyouts, growth investing, and specialist credit. Bridgepoint emphasizes long-term partnerships with portfolio companies and institutional clients, delivering strong returns through operational transformation and strategic growth support. The group operates six principal investment strategies: Bridgepoint Europe (mid-cap buyouts), Bridgepoint Development Capital (small-mid buyouts), Bridgepoint Credit, Bridgepoint Growth, Infrastructure, and Bridgepoint Direct Lending. Its portfolio spans sectors including healthcare, technology, business services, consumer, and advanced industrials. The firm typically targets businesses valued between €200 million and €1.5 billion, offering both capital and operational expertise to unlock scalable value. With over 200 investment professionals and 13 global offices, Bridgepoint maintains a diversified and regionally embedded structure. Offices are located in London (HQ), New York, San Francisco, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, and Abu Dhabi. As a UN PRI signatory, the firm integrates ESG principles across its investment processes and portfolio management, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and sustainable investing.

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization founded in 1994 in Stockholm, Sweden. With a Nordic heritage and a global mindset, EQT focuses on active ownership strategies, responsibly investing in, owning, and developing companies and real assets. EQT invests across multiple geographies, sectors, and strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. The firm aims to future-proof companies and make a positive impact for all stakeholders. As of 2025, EQT manages approximately €273 billion in assets under management (AUM), with a team of over 1,500 employees operating from offices across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.

HarbourVest Partners is a leading global private markets investment firm with over 42 years of experience. Founded in 1982 as Hancock Venture Partners, a subsidiary of John Hancock Insurance, the firm has evolved into an independent entity headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. HarbourVest offers clients access to a comprehensive suite of private market solutions, including primary fund investments, secondary transactions, direct co-investments, real assets, infrastructure, and private credit. With a presence in major financial centers worldwide, HarbourVest operates offices in cities such as London, Tokyo, Singapore, and Bogotá. This global footprint enables the firm to maintain strong local relationships and insights, facilitating effective investment strategies across diverse markets. HarbourVest's team of over 1,300 professionals is dedicated to delivering customized investment solutions that meet the unique needs of their institutional clients. As of December 31, 2024, HarbourVest manages more than $143 billion in assets under management (AUM). The firm's client base includes a wide range of institutional investors, such as public and corporate pension funds, endowments, foundations, and family offices. HarbourVest's commitment to innovation and excellence has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the private equity landscape.

IDG Capital is a world-leading private equity investment institution that has been a pioneer in developing venture capital business in China since 1993. The firm maintains a long-term global outlook, partnering with founders and teams to build lasting companies. With over 30 years of investment experience, IDG Capital has cultivated a diverse portfolio of more than 1800 companies and achieved over 600 successful exits through IPOs and M&A activities across various global capital markets.Founded in Boston in 1993, IDG Capital established its roots in China in the same year, becoming one of the earliest foreign-backed venture investors in the region. The firm's strategic evolution included the acquisition of International Data Group's (IDG Group) investment business in 2017, which further expanded its global investment reach and cross-border resource integration capabilities. This move solidified IDG Capital's independence from IDG Group's publishing, data research, and exhibition businesses.IDG Capital's investment focus spans a wide array of sectors, including consumer, technology, healthcare, and business services. Notable portfolio companies include Acne Studios, a contemporary fashion house; Bambu Lab, a leader in high-performance desktop 3D printers; and Circle, a global financial technology firm known for issuing the USDC stablecoin. The firm actively supports its portfolio companies through strategic development, global expansion, e-commerce growth, and executive recruitment, aiming to foster sustainable growth and market leadership.The firm boasts an experienced and diverse professional team with backgrounds in technology, marketing, finance, legal, management consulting, and investment banking. This expertise allows IDG Capital to provide comprehensive support to its portfolio companies, ranging from branding and marketing to human resources and overseas expansion. As of 2021, IDG Capital managed over US$23 billion in assets, underscoring its significant presence and influence in the global investment landscape.

Janus Henderson Investors is a prominent global active asset manager dedicated to assisting clients in achieving their financial objectives through a combination of differentiated insights, disciplined investment strategies, and world-class service. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of investment solutions across various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternatives. Their approach is rooted in extensive research, with investment teams engaging with thousands of companies annually to generate original perspectives that inform their investment positioning.The firm's rich heritage dates back to 1934 with the founding of Henderson Administration in the UK to manage the estate of Alexander Henderson. Separately, Janus Capital was established in 1969 in Denver, Colorado, by Tom Bailey, who aimed to create an independent asset management service in the western United States. Janus Henderson Investors was officially formed in May 2017 through an all-stock merger of Janus Capital Group and Henderson Group, bringing together over 90 years of combined experience in the investment management industry.As a global asset manager, Janus Henderson Investors focuses on delivering long-term risk-adjusted returns across a broad spectrum of investment opportunities. While not a traditional venture capital firm, they engage in strategic partnerships and acquisitions that expand their capabilities, such as their joint venture with Privacore Capital for alternative assets and the acquisition of Victory Park Capital Advisors, a private credit manager. They also manage a diverse range of funds, including those focused on global life sciences and multi-sector income, catering to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors.With over 350 investment professionals and more than 2,000 employees globally, Janus Henderson Investors leverages its extensive network and expertise to innovate in ideas, products, and solutions. Their teams are committed to rigorous analysis, structured processes, and robust risk management, aiming to anticipate and adapt to market changes. The firm emphasizes a client-first philosophy, accountability, and a collaborative culture to deliver on its commitments and invest in a brighter future together.

LYFE Capital is a leading healthcare investment platform founded in 2015, with a presence across Asia and the United States. The firm is led by seasoned investment veterans and operators who have navigated multiple market cycles. LYFE Capital focuses on investing in critical healthcare supply chain assets, specialized product platforms, and next-generation research and development services, enabling portfolio companies to generate significant and resilient revenues from mature global markets.The company actively supports a diverse portfolio of healthcare companies, including contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), surgical robotics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), pharmaceutical development, and clinical research organizations (CROs). LYFE Capital leverages its global ecosystem and strategic partnerships to help companies scale operations, expand geographically, and enhance operational efficiency, particularly bridging markets between Asia and the U.S.With offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Palo Alto, California, LYFE Capital manages approximately USD 2 billion in assets under management. The firm invests across multiple healthcare sectors, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare services, and digital health. LYFE Capital emphasizes ESG principles and supports companies at various stages, primarily focusing on early to growth-stage ventures with established products seeking international expansion.

Founded in 1939, Neuberger Berman is a private, independent, and employee-owned investment management firm headquartered in New York City. With a commitment to active management and long-term client partnerships, the firm offers a broad range of investment strategies, including equities, fixed income, private equity, hedge funds, and multi-asset solutions. Neuberger Berman serves a diverse clientele comprising institutions, advisors, and high-net-worth individuals globally. The firm's investment philosophy emphasizes fundamental research and a client-centric approach. Its private equity division, NB Private Markets, has a team of over 300 professionals across 17 offices worldwide, focusing on co-investments, secondaries, and direct investments. In 2025, Neuberger Berman closed its NB Strategic Capital Fund II with over $4 billion in commitments, underscoring its leadership in GP-led secondary transactions. Operating from offices in 39 cities across 26 countries, Neuberger Berman's global presence enables it to access a wide array of investment opportunities. The firm's dedication to sustainability is evident through its commitment to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. With a workforce of approximately 3,100 employees, Neuberger Berman continues to prioritize delivering superior investment outcomes for its clients.

Founded in 2002 as Pacific Alliance Group, PAG has evolved into one of Asia's foremost alternative investment firms. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the firm specializes in three core strategies: Credit & Markets, Private Equity, and Real Assets. With a robust presence across the Asia-Pacific region, PAG manages capital on behalf of nearly 300 institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and endowments. PAG's investment approach is characterized by its deep regional expertise and a commitment to delivering consistent, risk-adjusted returns. The firm's Credit & Markets division focuses on providing tailored financing solutions, while its Private Equity arm seeks to invest in companies with strong growth potential and sustainable competitive advantages. The Real Assets team targets opportunistic and value-add real estate investments, leveraging PAG's in-house asset management capabilities to unlock value. With over 370 investment professionals operating from 15 key offices globally, PAG combines local insights with global perspectives to identify and capitalize on investment opportunities. The firm's disciplined investment process and commitment to excellence have solidified its reputation as a trusted partner for institutional investors seeking exposure to the dynamic Asia-Pacific markets.

Permira is a leading global investment firm founded in 1985, originally known as Schroder Ventures before rebranding in 2001. Headquartered in London, the firm operates 16 offices across Europe, North America, and Asia, employing more than 650 professionals. Permira specializes in private equity and credit, focusing on long-term value creation through strategic partnerships with management teams. With assets under management exceeding $85 billion, Permira invests in five core sectors: Technology, Consumer, Healthcare, Services, and Climate. The firm’s growth-oriented, thematic investment approach supports companies with high potential for innovation and expansion. Its diverse portfolio includes businesses in software, cybersecurity, branded consumer goods, and healthcare services. Permira emphasizes responsible investment and sustainable growth. The firm works closely with its portfolio companies to implement operational improvements and strategic initiatives. Through its credit platform, Permira also offers flexible financing solutions, including direct lending and structured credit, tailored to support evolving business needs globally.

Stafford Capital Partners, founded in 2000, is an independent international private markets investment and advisory firm specializing in sustainable investments across timberland, infrastructure, agriculture, private equity, and private credit. The firm operates from multiple offices globally, including locations in Austin, London, Sydney, and Zurich, and focuses on managing and advising capital for institutional investors worldwide. With a commitment to responsible investing, Stafford emphasizes the integration of environmental protection, human rights, and governance within its investment strategies. As a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, the firm targets long-term value creation while positively contributing to the communities and environments in which it invests. Stafford offers a range of investment strategies including co-mingled funds, separately managed accounts, secondaries, and co-investments. Its expertise spans various sectors such as timberland, agriculture, infrastructure, and private equity, focusing on niche opportunities to further sustainable growth. The firm manages approximately USD 1.8 billion in assets, contributing to their strong backing from limited partners globally. Stafford Capital Partners is dedicated to the principles of sustainable investing, positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for investments that deliver both financial and social returns.

Starr Investment Holdings, LLC (SIH) is a multi-billion dollar investment adviser that focuses on long-term, sustained equity capital investments. The firm leverages the extensive heritage, operational expertise, and robust capital position of its largest client, Starr Insurance Companies. As a duration-agnostic investor, SIH strategically aligns resources, expertise, and capital to maximize the value of each investment, enabling management teams to pursue their long-term vision and drive sustainable value creation. The firm shows a preference for technology companies operating within the healthcare and financial regulatory services sectors, while also seeking opportunities across the United States without explicitly stated industry limitations.The broader entity, Starr, serves as the global marketing name for the investment business of C. V. Starr & Co., Inc., and the insurance and travel assistance companies of Starr International Company, Inc. and their subsidiaries. The origins of Starr trace back to 1919 when Cornelius Vander Starr established his first insurance company in Shanghai, China. Starr Investment Holdings, LLC itself was founded in 2007, with its formal establishment as a Delaware limited liability company occurring in January 2012. C.V. Starr & Co., Inc. holds a significant ownership stake as the sole member of Starr Investment Holdings, LLC.Starr Investment Holdings has built a diverse portfolio of companies through its investments and acquisitions. Notable investments include Crusoe, a Bitcoin mining operation, Consensus Technology Group, and Advanced Radiology, SC. The firm's portfolio also features companies such as At Home Group, CHG Healthcare Services, Rad Partners, Nanyan Information Technology, MultiPlan, and iQor. Additionally, Starr Investment Holdings has completed acquisitions of entities like ConvenientMD and ACA Compliance Group, demonstrating its active role in shaping its portfolio through strategic transactions.The firm prides itself on a global team that combines extensive experience with local expertise, a crucial asset in navigating diverse markets. Starr Investment Holdings operates with a lean team, including partners dedicated to its investment strategies. The organization's century-long history has fostered relationships with influential government and business leaders worldwide, particularly in complex markets such as China, which clients can leverage to advance their own operations.

Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology conglomerate with a robust investment arm, actively shaping the digital landscape globally. The firm's investment strategy, primarily executed through Tencent Investment and its Corporate Development Group (CDG), focuses on enriching internet users' lives and facilitating the digital transformation of enterprises. Its extensive investment portfolio spans a diverse array of sectors, including technology, gaming, fintech, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital content. Tencent operates as both a corporate venture and private equity investor, seeking opportunities across various stages, from early-stage startups to pre-IPO companies.Founded in Shenzhen, China, in November 1998 by Pony Ma, Tony Zhang, Xu Chenye, Charles Chen, and Zeng Liqing, Tencent's origins are rooted in instant messaging and online gaming, anticipating the burgeoning demand for chat applications in China's rapidly expanding internet cafe culture. The company's guiding principle, "Value for Users, Tech for Good," underscores its commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit. Since its inception, Tencent has evolved into one of the world's largest and most influential technology and investment corporations.Tencent has made hundreds of strategic investments across the globe. Notable portfolio companies include those in artificial intelligence, such as Zhipu AI, and a significant presence in the fintech space with investments in firms like Upvest, TrueLayer, UPSIDER, Qonto, N26, and Raisin. In the gaming industry, Tencent holds stakes in major players like Supercell, Riot Games, Funcom, Stunlock Studios, and Turtle Rock Studios. The firm has also invested in e-commerce platforms like JD.com and logistics companies such as China South City Holdings. A key characteristic of Tencent's investment approach is allowing its portfolio startups to maintain operational autonomy.The firm's team expertise is deeply embedded in its diverse business groups. The Interactive Entertainment Group (IEG) drives its gaming and esports ventures, while the Cloud & Smart Industries Group (CSIG) focuses on cloud services and industrial internet solutions. The Platform & Content Group (PCG) manages its social and content ecosystems. Specifically, the Corporate Development Group (CDG) is responsible for new business incubation, strategic planning, and investment activities, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and operational experience to its portfolio companies. The leadership, including co-founder Pony Ma, contributes extensive experience in internet and technology development.

TPG is a prominent global alternative asset manager, established with a principled focus on innovation. The firm manages a substantial portfolio across diverse investment strategies, including private equity, impact investing, credit, real estate, and market solutions. TPG's approach is characterized by innovation-led growth, a keen eye for disruption, and a collaborative culture, enabling them to identify and capitalize on emerging industry trends.The firm was founded in 1992 by Jim Coulter and David Bonderman, former colleagues at the Bass Family Office. Starting with its first offices in San Francisco, TPG built its distinctive investment philosophy from its family office roots, entrepreneurial heritage, and a West Coast base. This foundation has fostered an ecosystem of insight and engagement across its various platforms and products, leading to organic growth and strategic diversification, such as the 2023 acquisition of Angelo Gordon, which significantly expanded its credit and real estate capabilities.TPG's investment activities span a wide array of sectors, with recent notable transactions including leading a $350 million strategic investment in Cambridge Mobile Telematics for AI-driven road safety, the launch of Velotic for industrial and manufacturing software, and the establishment of One Aged Care for senior healthcare services. The firm also announced the sale of Intersect to Google, a partnership with Findhelp to expand access to essential services, and investments in telecom infrastructure through TPG Peppertree and manufacturing with Sabre Industries. Additionally, TPG has been active in the financial services sector, launching Third Wave Insurance and extending agreements with Thrive Financial and OneMain Financial for consumer and auto loans.With over 1900 employees globally, including more than 700 investment and operations professionals, TPG boasts a deep bench of world-class executives and business leaders. The firm's substantial global footprint and extensive network are crucial for sourcing transactions, raising capital, and driving value across its investments. TPG is committed to fostering an inclusive culture, believing that diverse backgrounds and experiences lead to richer discussions, more strategic decision-making, and ultimately, stronger business outcomes.