New York City is a major hub for finance, and that includes private equity. For 2025, the landscape of top private equity firms nyc is really interesting. We’ve seen a lot of activity, especially in software and tech. These firms are busy making deals and looking for companies to grow. Let’s check out some of the key players making waves in the city.
Key Takeaways
- KKR, a global giant, continues its strong focus on enterprise software, making significant acquisitions in 2024. They manage a massive amount of assets and have a broad investment strategy.
- EQT, based in Europe but with a growing global footprint, is actively investing in technology companies that have recurring revenue and potential for expansion.
- Nordic Capital specializes in enterprise and vertical software, using a hands-on approach to help businesses scale. They’ve completed numerous investments and manage substantial assets.
- Main Capital Partners has been a top investor in software for two years running, focusing on mid-market B2B software in Europe and North America with a buy-and-build strategy.
- PartnerOne Capital, founded in 2010, targets mission-critical B2B software companies with a long-term buy-and-hold approach, emphasizing recurring revenue and low customer churn.
KKR
When you talk about big players in the private equity world, KKR is definitely one that comes up. Founded way back in 1976, they’ve grown into a massive global firm. They’re not just about one thing, either; they invest in a bunch of different areas like private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. As of early 2025, they were managing a huge amount of money – over $664 billion in total assets, with a significant chunk, $209 billion, specifically in private equity.
Lately, KKR has been putting a lot of focus on software companies, especially those that are built for the enterprise. Think about businesses that have strong, predictable revenue streams and the potential to grow internationally. In 2024 alone, they made seven acquisitions of software platforms. Some of the companies they’ve recently invested in include Cotiviti, which works with healthcare data, and they were part of a group that bought Broadcom’s enterprise software division. They also picked up MDF Commerce, a company that provides online purchasing tools for government agencies.
KKR has a pretty wide reach, with offices in over 20 locations around the world, and their New York headquarters is a major hub. They’ve got a large team of professionals working across all their different investment strategies.
EQT
EQT, a big player in private markets, started back in 1994 and is based in Stockholm. They’ve really grown, with offices popping up all over Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Their main thing is investing in businesses that use technology, have steady income, and seem like they can expand a lot. As of March 2025, EQT is managing over €240 billion across different types of investments like private equity, infrastructure, and real estate. They’ve got a pretty big portfolio, with more than 350 companies worldwide.
In 2024 alone, they made six acquisitions in the SaaS space. Some of their recent investments include companies like Acronis, which does cyber protection, and Avetta, a platform for managing supply chain risks. They also put money into CluePoints, a company that helps with monitoring clinical trials. It seems like they’re really into software that’s used for specific industries and is pretty much essential for those businesses. They’re also looking at Asia as a major area for future growth, even with some bumps in the road in places like China. It’s interesting to see how they’re expanding their reach globally EQT’s global presence.
EQT’s strategy seems to be about finding companies that are already doing well and have a clear path to getting even bigger. They’re not just throwing money around; they’re looking for specific types of businesses that fit their investment themes. It’s a solid approach for a firm of their size and scope.
Nordic Capital
Nordic Capital is a big player in the private equity world, focusing on growing businesses, especially in healthcare and financial services. They’ve been around since 1989 and have a solid track record of making smart investments. Their strategy really centers on partnering with companies to help them become leaders in their markets.
They’ve got a pretty impressive portfolio, and in 2024 alone, they picked up three companies that are all in the software business. Think Zafin Labs, which does software for banks, BRP Systems for gym management, and Anaqua for managing intellectual property. It shows they’re really into software that businesses rely on day-to-day.
With over €34 billion in assets under management as of 2025, Nordic Capital has a substantial war chest. They employ around 245 professionals, which means they have the people power to really dig into the companies they invest in. They seem to like businesses that have recurring revenue, meaning customers pay regularly, which is usually a good sign of stability. If you’re looking for a firm that knows how to scale software companies, Nordic Capital is definitely one to watch in the NYC private equity scene.
Main Capital Partners
Main Capital Partners has been making some serious waves in the software investment scene, especially in Europe. They’ve been around since 2003 and have really carved out a niche for themselves by focusing on B2B software companies. It’s not just about throwing money at them, though; they’re known for getting hands-on and working with these companies to grow over the long haul, often using a buy-and-build approach.
They’ve done a ton of deals, over 240 since they started, and currently manage about $6 billion. Their portfolio is pretty packed with over 80 software companies, plus a bunch of smaller add-on acquisitions.
Some of their recent buys show what they’re into:
- Procilon: This company deals with encryption and keeping digital identities secure.
- Nextway: They provide software for managing documents and information, based in Denmark.
- WhiteVision: A Dutch firm that’s good at processing documents automatically using smart technology.
Main Capital Partners has been recognized as a top investor in software M&A for two years running, completing nine SaaS platform acquisitions in the past year alone. They’ve got offices in a few places, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, and even Boston in the US, which shows they’re looking beyond just Europe. They employ over 85 people across these locations, all working to find and grow these software businesses.
PartnerOne Capital
PartnerOne Capital is a private equity firm that started in 2010. They’re based in Montreal, Canada, and their main focus is buying and growing B2B software companies that are really important for businesses to run. Think of software that handles critical operations – that’s their sweet spot.
What makes PartnerOne stand out is their long-term approach. They don’t just buy and flip companies quickly. Instead, they aim for a ‘buy-and-hold’ strategy. This means they look for vertical SaaS platforms that have steady, recurring revenue, customers who stick around (low churn), and a strong position in their market. They’re not afraid of established software that’s been around for a while, as long as it’s essential for their clients.
In 2024, PartnerOne made a few notable acquisitions:
- SeaChange International: This company provides solutions for video delivery and advertising.
- Cincom: A long-standing enterprise software vendor that serves manufacturing and service industries.
- HeadSpin: This platform helps global tech companies monitor and improve how their apps perform.
Their strategy seems to be about finding solid software businesses and helping them grow over time, rather than chasing short-term gains. It’s a patient game, but one that can lead to significant value creation for both the firm and the companies they invest in.
Wrapping It Up
So, that’s a look at some of the big players in New York’s private equity scene for 2025. It’s a fast-moving world, and as we’ve seen, the firms making waves today might be different from those who were on top last year. Whether you’re looking to partner up or just curious about where the money’s going, keeping an eye on these firms is pretty important. The landscape is always shifting, with new strategies and investment areas popping up, so staying informed is key if you want to make sense of it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is private equity and why is it popular in New York City?
Private equity is like a special kind of investing where firms pool money from different investors to buy and improve companies. New York City is a big hub for this because it has lots of businesses and smart people who can help these companies grow, making them more valuable.
What kind of companies do these private equity firms usually invest in?
Many of these firms really like companies that sell software, especially those that businesses use every day (like tools for managing customer information or running operations). They look for companies that have customers who keep paying them regularly and whose businesses are growing steadily.
How do private equity firms help the companies they invest in?
They don’t just give money and walk away. These firms often work closely with the company’s leaders, offering advice and expertise to help make the business run better, find new customers, or expand into new areas. It’s like having a business coach who also provides funding.
What does ‘assets under management’ (AUM) mean?
Assets under management, or AUM, is the total value of all the money and investments that a private equity firm is responsible for managing on behalf of its investors. A higher AUM usually means the firm is bigger and handles more money.
Why is it important to be careful about what information you share with a private equity firm early on?
When you’re thinking about selling or getting an investment, it’s smart to hold back some details at first. Private equity firms are very good at figuring things out, and if they know too much too soon, it might make it harder for you to get the best deal possible when they decide on the terms.
Are there specific types of investments that are becoming more popular for investors?
Yes, things like ‘impact investing,’ which focuses on making a positive difference in the world (like in education or clean energy), and investing in artificial intelligence (AI) are gaining a lot of attention. Also, private equity itself continues to be a very favored investment area.
