Private Equity Firms in North America

39 North Capital is a principal investment firm that partners with owner-operators of mature, cash-generating businesses. The firm focuses on creating long-term value for all stakeholders by prioritizing reinvestment and prudent use of debt, rather than employing a traditional private equity fund model. They structure each partnership as a standalone investment, emphasizing an operator mindset and a commitment to shared values with their partners.Founded in 2016 by Jake Roffman and Tim Lucey, 39 North Capital operates as a direct investment platform anchored by the Eastbridge Group, a family office with over $1.5 billion in assets under management. Roffman and Lucey, who met at the University of Notre Dame, bring extensive experience in private equity and operations. They were brought in by the Bruckner family, who own Eastbridge Group, to help the family enter the private equity space.The firm invests across various sectors, including multi-unit consumer-focused brands, business services, and companies providing solutions for the built environment. Notable investments and portfolio companies include Diversified Roofing, LawLers Barbecue, American Building Contractors, Remedy Roofing, Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting, and the quick-service restaurant chain Eegee's.Jake Roffman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, focuses on origination, structuring, and financial aspects, drawing on his background at 13th Floor Investments, H.I.G. Capital, and Credit Suisse. Tim Lucey, also Co-Founder and Managing Partner, oversees origination, strategy, and operational aspects, leveraging his experience as COO of Meineke Car Care and in private equity at Harvest Partners. Both hold MBAs from the Wharton School.

A-Rod Corp is the single-family office founded by former Major League Baseball (MLB) superstar Alex Rodriguez. Established in 2003 while Rodriguez was still playing professional baseball, the firm has evolved into a dynamic investment platform with diversified interests across real estate, venture capital, and private equity. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, A-Rod Corp began as a real estate investment company and quickly grew into a powerhouse with a portfolio spanning over 15,000 multifamily residential units across 13 states in the U.S. The firm’s real estate strategy focuses on value-add opportunities, primarily targeting Class B and C properties with strong repositioning potential. Beyond real estate, A-Rod Corp has expanded into private equity and venture capital, investing in sectors such as fitness, wellness, media, fintech, and consumer goods. Notable investments include stakes in UFC Gym, Petros Pace Finance, Hims & Hers, and Acorns. The company often partners with institutional investors, family offices, and strategic operating partners to co-invest in scalable businesses. Alex Rodriguez plays an active role as Chairman and CEO, leveraging his brand and network to identify high-potential companies and add strategic value. His approach blends celebrity influence with disciplined investment strategies, making A-Rod Corp a unique player in the family office landscape. A-Rod Corp also includes a media and entertainment division, developing content across film, television, and digital platforms. Through this arm, Rodriguez continues to build his legacy as both an athlete-turned-entrepreneur and a cultural icon.

Abry Partners is a leading private equity investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, with a core focus on media, communications, business services, and information sectors. Established in 1989, Abry has built a reputation for partnering with management teams to drive growth, operational efficiency, and long-term value. The firm targets investments in North America and selectively in Europe, managing a diverse portfolio of companies across its key verticals. With decades of sector-specific experience, Abry Partners stands out for its deep industry knowledge and hands-on investment approach. The firm typically invests in established, cash-flow-positive companies, deploying capital across a range of transactions including buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth equity. Its team of experienced professionals works closely with portfolio companies to support strategic initiatives, M&A execution, and operational improvements. Abry has raised over $14 billion in capital across multiple funds and continues to expand its footprint by identifying scalable business models and strong leadership teams. The firm's consistent success is rooted in its disciplined investment philosophy, strong relationships, and commitment to delivering value for both its investors and the companies it supports.

Accel-KKR was established in 2000 as a joint venture between Accel Partners and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), combining the expertise of a leading venture firm with a private equity giant. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the firm specializes in mid-market software and technology-enabled services. It has raised more than $19 billion across multiple funds, including buyout, growth capital, and credit vehicles. Accel-KKR differentiates itself with a flexible investment strategy, capable of taking majority, minority, or structured equity positions. The firm emphasizes active collaboration with management, leveraging its operational expertise and strong industry connections to accelerate growth and expand market reach.Over its two-decade history, Accel-KKR has invested in more than 300 companies worldwide, producing a long list of successful exits through IPOs and strategic sales. The firm’s portfolio spans enterprise software, data analytics, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure, reflecting its deep focus on software-driven business models. With around 240 employees, Accel-KKR operates from offices in Menlo Park, Atlanta, Chicago, London, and Mexico City. Its hybrid DNA, born from venture and private equity, gives it a unique position in the mid-market, enabling it to provide flexible, growth-oriented capital. Today, Accel-KKR remains a highly active investor in the software space, committed to helping innovative companies scale into global leaders.

Acuitas Investments, LLC is an investment management firm specializing in identifying unique investment opportunities within inefficient global small and microcap markets. The firm employs a multi-manager approach across its strategies, which include U.S. Microcap, Small Cap, International Small Cap, and Emerging Markets Small Cap equities. Their investment philosophy is rooted in the belief that certain markets are inherently less efficient, offering skilled investment managers the opportunity to generate best-in-class returns.Founded in 2011 by Christopher D. Tessin and Dennis Jensen, Acuitas Investments was established on the core principles of exceptional research, a commitment to investment excellence, and superior client service. The firm's partners are invested alongside their clients, ensuring alignment of interests. They emphasize the importance of dedicated resources for identifying and monitoring early life-cycle, high-conviction investment managers, particularly in less efficient market segments.While Acuitas Investments primarily focuses on managing multi-manager funds, their portfolio holdings, as disclosed in SEC filings, have included public equities such as RADCOM Ltd., Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc., Marchex, Inc., Silicom Ltd., and Alpha and Omega Semiconductor Limited. The firm's research approach is fundamentally based, forward-looking, and supplemented by quantitative analysis, with a focus on robust idea generation and deep qualitative research into investment teams.The leadership team includes founders Christopher D. Tessin, who serves as Managing Partner and Lead Portfolio Manager, and Dennis Jensen, who is a Partner and the Director of Research. Both have extensive backgrounds in asset management and investment research, including significant tenures at Russell Investments. Other key team members include Doug Porter, Senior Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager for international and emerging markets small cap portfolios, Lisa Thenell, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and Matt Nieman, Portfolio Manager for U.S. Microcap portfolios and Senior Research Analyst.

AE Industrial Partners (AEI) is a private equity firm specializing in control investments in aerospace, defense & government services, space, power & utility services, and industrial technology. Founded by experienced industry executives, AEI brings deep operational expertise and strategic resources to its portfolio companies, focusing on accelerating growth, innovation, and long-term value creation. AEI’s investment philosophy centers around partnering with management teams to transform and scale businesses in highly technical and regulated sectors. The firm’s team combines financial acumen with sector-specific insight to identify and build companies that are well-positioned to lead in their markets. AEI typically targets companies with strong engineering capabilities, defensible market positions, and opportunities for operational enhancement or strategic consolidation. With headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida, and offices in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, AE Industrial Partners is active across North America. The firm manages multiple funds and strategies, including private equity, venture capital, and structured capital solutions, allowing for flexibility across the capital stack. AEI has earned a reputation as a leading investor in the aerospace and defense ecosystem.

AllianceBernstein (AB) is a global investment management firm that provides diversified investment solutions to a wide array of clients, including institutions, pension funds, private wealth managers and individual investors. Tracing its roots to 1967 and now headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, AB manages around US$829 billion across equity, fixed‑income, multi‑asset, hedge‑fund and private‑credit strategies. The firm’s research‑driven approach emphasizes fundamental analysis, global macro insights and quantitative techniques to construct portfolios that seek superior risk‑adjusted returns. AB operates over 45 offices worldwide, enabling local market insights and client service across the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Products range from actively managed mutual funds and separately managed accounts to alternative strategies and bespoke solutions for large institutions. AB is also recognized for its sell‑side research franchise, Bernstein Research, which provides market‑leading insights and analysis. The firm prioritizes responsible investing, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its investment processes and engaging with companies to improve long‑term performance. With a workforce of more than 4,000, AllianceBernstein aims to deliver consistent investment excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, diversity and integrity.

Alpha Wave Global is a diversified global alternative asset manager founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in major financial centers worldwide. The firm operates across three main verticals: private equity, private credit, and public markets. Managing approximately US $19–21 billion in assets, Alpha Wave provides growth-stage capital, structured lending, and special-situations investment strategies. The firm invests across sectors such as fintech, information technology, life sciences, cleantech, and agritech. With a portfolio of over 200 companies, Alpha Wave partners long-term with founders and management teams to drive scalable growth. Its global presence and multi-strategy capabilities enable it to deliver capital, operational support, and differentiated return streams across market cycles.

American Industrial Partners (AIP) is a private equity firm founded in 1988 and based in New York City. The firm specializes in control investments in middle-market industrial businesses across North America, combining deep operational expertise with flexible capital solutions. AIP currently manages over US $16 billion in private equity capital. The firm closed its eighth fund at a US $5 billion hard cap in 2023. AIP invests across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, chemicals, logistics, industrial services, and metals, targeting companies where operational transformation can drive substantial value creation. Under AIP’s disciplined strategy, portfolio companies now generate approximately US $28 billion in annual revenue, operating more than 240 facilities and employing over 70,000 people. The firm’s approach emphasizes operational improvements through strategic partnerships with management teams in control investments.

Apeiron Investment Group is a discretionary investment firm and family office founded and owned by serial entrepreneur Christian Angermayer. The firm manages approximately $7 billion in assets, deploying a global, multi-strategy investment approach with a primary focus on the United States. Apeiron is driven by a bold optimism for a future where technology empowers people to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Their investment philosophy centers on being hands-on, reliable, and long-term partners to exceptional founders and emerging asset managers, supporting them in pushing the boundaries of imagination and shaping the future.Founded in 2012 by Christian Angermayer, Apeiron Investment Group operates as his private investment vehicle. Angermayer, a prominent German entrepreneur and investor, established the firm to invest across various innovative sectors, reflecting his diverse interests in life sciences, financial technology, and emerging technologies. The firm's approach encompasses the entire company lifecycle, from incubating and accelerating breakthrough ideas to scaling growth-stage businesses and making impactful investments in publicly listed companies. Apeiron also engages in anchor LP investments combined with minority GP stakes in asset managers.Apeiron Investment Group's portfolio spans a wide array of innovative companies. Notable investments include atai Life Sciences, a biotechnology company focused on mental health treatments, including psychedelics-based medicine; Sorare, a blockchain-based fantasy sports platform; NAGA, an online financial instruments trading platform; and Alto Neuroscience, an AI-driven drug discovery platform for neurological diseases. The firm has also backed companies like Razor Group, an e-commerce aggregator, and Super Copper, involved in mining. Their diverse holdings reflect a commitment to sectors such as biotechnology, fintech, AI, and human enhancement.The firm's team comprises over 50 professionals, including senior investment experts, operating from offices in key global hubs. Christian Angermayer, as the founder, leads the strategic direction, supported by managing directors and a dedicated team across various functions. Apeiron's expertise lies in identifying and nurturing companies that align with its vision of advancing scientific progress and technology to improve human well-being, with a particular focus on areas like longevity research and brain-computer interfaces.

Aquarian Holdings is a diversified global holding company specializing in insurance and asset management within the financial services sector. Founded in 2017 by Rudy Sahay, the firm has rapidly expanded its portfolio to include various insurance and asset management solutions, providing investment opportunities to millions of people worldwide. With a foundation built on transparency, integrity, ingenuity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Aquarian has grown to manage approximately $22.8 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025. Aquarian's operations encompass acquiring and operating companies that provide retirement income and reinsurance solutions. Notable acquisitions include Investors Heritage, Hudson Life, and Somerset Re, which have been consolidated under Aquarian Insurance Holdings to streamline operations and enhance growth. The firm also engages in deploying capital into opportunities that aim to yield attractive risk-adjusted returns with downside protection, investing across the capital structure and creating tailored financing solutions for high-quality companies. Headquartered in New York City, Aquarian Holdings continues to expand its presence, recently securing a 75,000 square-foot lease at 550 Madison Avenue, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory. The firm's commitment to building opportunities and simplifying complex investment landscapes positions it as a key player in the financial services industry.

Aquiline Capital Partners, founded in 2005, is a global private investment firm headquartered in New York with offices in London and Philadelphia. With deep roots in financial services and technology, Aquiline offers tailored investment across three primary strategies—private equity, venture capital, and credit—to support growth‑oriented companies in sectors such as insurtech, fund administration, legal tech, and embedded fintech. The firm deploys flexible capital solutions, including equity injections ($50 M–$350 M typical range), senior and junior debt, ARR‑based financing, and structured equity, often taking either majority or minority stakes in platform companies valued between $75 M and $2.5 B. Aquiline differentiates itself by working hand‑in‑hand with management teams, leveraging industry expertise and operational support to drive long‑term value creation. As of March 2025, Aquiline manages approximately USD 12 billion in assets and has invested across more than 110 companies. Its focus remains on businesses headquartered in the US and UK, with selected exposure across Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. The firm’s culture is grounded in tenacity, creativity, and integrity, supported by a team of around 80 professionals including 20 partners deeply embedded in the financial services ecosystem.

Arax Investment Partners operates as a buy-and-build platform within the wealth and asset management sector. The firm strategically partners with leading asset and wealth management firms, as well as financial advisory teams, offering a unique and customized approach to growth. They aim to capitalize on trends and investment opportunities within the highly fragmented wealth management space by providing experienced leadership, diverse investment solutions, and comprehensive support services. These services include access to alternative products, multi-family office capabilities, managed solutions, tax and estate planning for high and ultra-high net worth individuals, in-house insurance, trust services, and credit and lending options.Established in 2022, Arax Investment Partners was founded by Haig Ariyan, leveraging his deep sector experience and background, and is backed by RedBird Capital Partners. RedBird Capital, a proven investor in the financial services sector, provides a strong track record, expertise, and an extensive network to support Arax's vision. Haig Ariyan previously held significant leadership roles, including President and CEO of Alex. Brown, Head of Global Wealth Solutions at Raymond James, and Head of Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, Americas.Arax Investment Partners has demonstrated significant growth through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Notable additions to its platform include Omni Financial, a New York-based boutique financial advisory practice, and Pinnacle Peak Private Client Group, which joined Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, one of Arax's partner firms. Other key acquisitions include GFP Private Wealth, Schechter Investment Advisors, Cedrus Financial, and US Capital Wealth Advisors, further expanding Arax's footprint and capabilities across the U.S.The firm is led by a seasoned management team with extensive experience in scaling wealth platforms and M&A. Haig Ariyan serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all operations and strategic direction. Seth Waugh, Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as CEO of the PGA of America and leadership roles at Silver Lake and Deutsche Bank. The C-Suite collectively boasts over a century of industry experience, providing partners with robust M&A expertise, capital sourcing capabilities, and company-building acumen.

Ardan Equity is the Healthcare Software Private Equity Firm®—the first sector-specialized buyout firm exclusively focused on healthcare and life sciences software and data. The firm partners with founders and management teams to scale innovative platforms across payer, provider, life sciences, and employer markets. Ardan brings a deep understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and leverages its industry experience to build enduring, high-growth businesses. As a team of founders, operators, and investors, Ardan Equity has been behind some of the most transformative software companies in the healthcare space. Its strategy is rooted in collaboration and specialization, deploying capital and expertise to accelerate growth, drive innovation, and establish market leadership. The firm is uniquely positioned to identify high-potential businesses and support them with a tailored playbook built specifically for the healthcare software landscape. With a differentiated approach that integrates proprietary growth strategies, a trusted executive network, and operational excellence, Ardan Equity aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns. Headquartered in London with a pan-European reach, the firm operates with the agility of a boutique partner and the scale of an institutional investor.

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.

Ascend Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2019, dedicated to transforming healthcare delivery to underserved and vulnerable communities. The firm partners with entrepreneurs and companies focused on clinical success and community development, aiming to improve access, affordability, and quality of care for patients. Their approach emphasizes aligning patients, providers, and payors through technology and operational support. Led by co-founders In Seon Hwang, former global head of Healthcare at Warburg Pincus, and Dr. Richard Park, founder and former CEO of CityMD, Ascend has raised significant capital, including $570 million in its inaugural fund. The firm has made multiple proprietary platform investments and continues to grow its team of investment professionals to support its mission-driven investment strategy. Ascend Capital Partners also positions itself as a global builder and cross-border investor, backing early-stage disruptors in medtech and mobility sectors with potential to scale across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. They emphasize long-term partnerships with founders, providing strategic support to build lasting businesses and ecosystems that drive enduring impact.

Astara Capital Partners is a private equity firm that focuses on control equity investments in middle-market companies. The firm distinguishes itself by being an integrated team of investors and operators, bringing both capital and strategic resources to its portfolio companies. Their investment philosophy centers on building sustainable value by making companies fundamentally better, rather than relying heavily on financial leverage. They aim to partner with management teams to transform businesses into industry leaders, often engaging with founder- and family-owned companies.Founded in 2020, Astara Capital Partners was established by Michael Ranson, a long-time partner at Blue Wolf. The firm was formed with a team that has over 100 years of cumulative experience in middle-market investments, having participated in control equity investments and held C-level positions across various business cycles. Astara Capital Partners is headquartered in New York, New York.Astara Capital Partners targets a diverse range of sectors where its team has deep experience, including packaging & converting, food processing & distribution, building & forest products, aerospace/defense/government contracting, niche manufacturing, and business & industrial services. Notable investments include Garlock Flexibles (acquired in 2021 and later merged with C-P Flexible Packaging in 2025), Wyandot Snacks (2023), Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning (2022), Ally Building Solutions (2024), and BDV Solutions (2021).The firm's team comprises experienced investors and operators, including Managing Partner Michael Ranson, Partners Rob Groberg and Lindsey Tannenbaum, and Operating Partners Chris Curti and Chad Barton. Astara emphasizes a hands-on approach, leveraging its network of operators and advisors to provide strategic and functional expertise to portfolio companies. They are signatories to the UN Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI) and integrate ESG principles into their investment decisions and operational approach, aiming to build companies that are good corporate citizens and contribute positively to society.

Athena Capital is a New York–based venture capital firm founded in 2024 by Isabelle Freidheim. The firm specializes in supporting growth‑stage, tech‑enabled companies that are preparing for an exit through public offerings or M&A. Athena combines capital backing with expert guidance to help companies scale and execute successful exits. The firm's advisory council is uniquely women‑led, featuring accomplished founders, operators, venture capitalists, and investment bankers. This network is actively engaged in guiding portfolio companies on critical aspects such as operational scaling, fundraising, public market readiness, and transaction structuring. Although still in its early stage and with no disclosed AUM, Athena Capital is distinguished by its leadership and strategic focus on exit‑ready tech companies. Based at 442 Fifth Avenue in New York City, the firm strives to accelerate and drive value for its ventures leveraging a hands‑on, women‑centric advisory model.

August Spark is a New York-based family office that specializes in investments across marketing, technology, and business services. The firm focuses on acquiring majority ownership in profitable companies, typically those with $2 million to $10 million in pre-tax profitability. They aim to leverage their expertise in sales and marketing, growth strategy initiatives, fostering company culture, and digital transformations to support their portfolio companies.The firm was relaunched in August 2018, having previously operated as Team JMC. August Spark was established to address a perceived gap in investor expertise within the marketing and business services sectors, particularly given the increasing importance of technology and digital-first offerings.August Spark adopts a long-term, founder-friendly approach to its investment timeline, distinguishing itself from the shorter horizons often seen with traditional private equity and venture capital firms. Beyond majority acquisitions in the middle market, the firm also targets early-stage startups with high growth potential and significant impact, seeking to support innovative entrepreneurs developing breakthrough technologies and solutions across various industries. Their investment checks for these early-stage ventures range from $250,000 to $2 million.The team at August Spark brings significant operating and entrepreneurial experience. Notably, Michael Cassidy, a key figure, was the founding CEO of Undertone, a prominent advertising technology company that was successfully acquired by Perion in 2015. This background allows the firm to provide strategic partnerships and operational support to its portfolio.

Aurora Capital Partners is a private equity firm established in 1991 and based in Los Angeles, California. It focuses on control investments in middle‑market companies, collaborating closely with management teams to drive value through growth initiatives, strategic positioning, and add‑on acquisitions. The firm invests primarily in industrial & business services, industrial technologies, and software & technology‑enabled services. The investment philosophy of Aurora emphasizes strong partnerships: it generally backs incumbent management teams, often with management co‑investing, and deploys an Executive Board and Advisory Network to support portfolio companies in areas like strategy, operations, and governance. Aurora seeks companies that have stable industry dynamics, attractive business model characteristics, and room for operational improvement or growth. Over time, Aurora has made dozens of investments and exits, building a track record in its target sectors. The firm tends to work in the North American market, particularly the U.S., deploying capital to create market‑leading companies through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.