Top 30 Growth Investment Firms 2026
The definitive ranking of growth equity and private equity firms, based on GrowthCap's extensive research evaluating leadership, strategy, operational capabilities, and track record.
GrowthCap's Leaderboard is based on years of research and feedback collected through award processes running since 2013. Unlike rankings based solely on financial returns, GrowthCap focuses on understanding the quality of a firm's investment activity and the fundamental attributes that enable consistent outperformance.
Firms are evaluated on leadership, longevity in the industry, capital base, firm evolution, strategy, unique competitive advantages, operational capabilities, team composition, and capital responsibility. Marks range from AAA (highest) to A.
Top 10 Firms
10 of 30 firmsLeading growth-focused alternative investment firm, partnering with profitable, category-leading companies for over 40 years. More than 80 growth equity investment professionals across North America and Europe, invested in over 550 companies.
Leading global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and internet startup and ScaleUp companies. Since 1995, invested in over 875 companies worldwide. Manages over $90 billion in regulatory assets under management.
Leading growth equity software investor managing a portfolio generating $10 billion in revenue and $84 billion in enterprise value. Invested in over 190 companies, completed more than 120 exits including 19 IPOs.
Leading global private equity firm focused on scaling profitable companies across technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer, and business services. Since 1968, raised $65 billion and invested in over 560 companies worldwide.
Boston-based growth equity firm with over $5 billion in capital under management. Founded in 2015, partners with founders building enduring technology and healthcare businesses.
Growth equity firm with more than three decades of experience. Specializing in category-leading software, data, and consumer internet businesses, invested in over 180 companies since 1994.
100% employee-owned firm investing across private and public equity. Over 150 private equity investments since inception. Fund XI closed in 2024 with approximately $7.8 billion in commitments.
Growth investor in software businesses with $3.1 billion in assets under management. Invested in 79 software platforms globally, focused on lower middle market B2B software companies.
Private investment firm founded in 2009, focused on rapidly growing software and technology-enabled businesses. Over $4.5 billion in committed capital, more than 125 investments.
Premier private equity firm investing in middle-market growth companies. Since 1974, managed or deployed $50 billion of equity capital, worked with over 175 partner companies.
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About This Ranking
This leaderboard is based on data from GrowthCap, a leading research firm focused on growth equity. Rankings are derived from their awards processes and include updates through November 2025.
View original source on GrowthCapFrequently Asked Questions
What is a growth equity firm?
A growth equity firm invests in established, profitable companies that need capital to expand. Unlike venture capital (early-stage) or traditional private equity (buyouts), growth equity focuses on minority investments in companies with proven business models seeking to accelerate growth, enter new markets, or fund acquisitions.
Who is the #1 growth equity firm in 2026?
According to GrowthCap's research, Summit Partners ranks #1 among growth investment firms in 2026. With over 40 years of experience and 80+ investment professionals, Summit has invested in over 550 companies across technology, healthcare, financial services, and business services.
What is the difference between growth equity and private equity?
Growth equity typically involves minority stakes in growing companies without using significant debt, while traditional private equity often involves majority buyouts with leveraged financing. Growth equity firms like Insight Partners and TA Associates focus on scaling existing successful businesses, whereas buyout firms restructure or optimize mature companies.
Which firms have the largest assets under management (AUM)?
Among the top growth-focused investors, KKR manages approximately $686 billion, Bain Capital manages $185 billion, General Atlantic manages $114 billion, and Thoma Bravo manages over $181 billion in software-focused investments.