Top Private Equity Firms in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, a center of innovation and business excellence, is home to some of the most influential private equity firms in the United States. These firms drive growth across diverse industries, from healthcare and technology to consumer products and manufacturing.

In this article, we’ll explore the top private equity firms in Massachusetts, their investment strategies, and their notable achievements.

Bain Capital

Founded in Boston in 1984, Bain Capital has become one of the world’s most prominent private equity firms. Its investment portfolio spans a range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and consumer products. A standout investment is Staples, the office supply chain, which Bain helped transform into a household name.

Bain Capital is also recognized for its hands-on approach, working closely with portfolio companies to drive strategic growth. Through initiatives like the Bain Capital Double Impact fund, the firm has ventured into impact investing, focusing on companies that align with social and environmental goals.

Advent International

Advent International, established in 1984, is a global leader in private equity with its roots firmly planted in Massachusetts. Managing over $94 billion in assets, Advent specializes in buyouts and strategic partnerships in industries like healthcare, industrials, and financial services.

One of its remarkable investments is in Olaplex, the high-end hair care brand, which saw exponential growth under Advent’s stewardship. Known for its global reach and ability to transform businesses, Advent has consistently delivered strong returns for its investors.

TA Associates

TA Associates, headquartered in Boston, focuses on growth equity investments across the technology, healthcare, and financial services sectors. Since its founding in 1968, TA Associates has supported numerous companies by providing capital and strategic guidance to achieve scalable growth.

Notable investments include ZoomInfo, a leading market intelligence platform. By collaborating with management teams, TA Associates ensures that its portfolio companies achieve long-term success and create lasting value.

Charlesbank Capital Partners

Charlesbank Capital Partners, based in Boston, has been a key player in the private equity landscape since 1998. The firm focuses on mid-market companies in industries like technology, healthcare, and consumer goods.

A standout investment is Bojangles, the Southern restaurant chain, which Charlesbank helped expand significantly through operational improvements and market growth strategies. The firm is known for its collaborative approach, working closely with management teams to build sustainable businesses.

Berkshire Partners

Since 1986, Berkshire Partners has been a cornerstone of Massachusetts’s private equity sector. The firm invests in mid-sized companies across diverse industries, including consumer products, business services, and healthcare.

One of its notable investments is National Vision, a leading optical retailer. Berkshire’s strategic guidance and operational expertise helped the company expand its footprint and enhance its market share.

Summit Partners

Summit Partners, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Boston, is a global private equity firm specializing in growth equity investments. Summit has a diverse portfolio that includes sectors like technology, healthcare, and financial services.

A prominent investment is fintech innovator Clearent, which Summit helped scale by providing strategic guidance and growth capital. With a focus on fostering innovation, Summit has supported companies like Uber and Avast, showcasing its commitment to transformative investments.

Nonantum Capital Partners

Nonantum Capital Partners, based in Boston, focuses on investing in lower middle-market companies across sectors such as consumer products, industrial services, and healthcare. Established in 2018, the firm emphasizes building strong partnerships with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements.

Notable investments include companies like The Granite Group, where Nonantum leveraged its expertise to expand market reach and enhance operational efficiency.

Audax Private Equity

Audax Private Equity, headquartered in Boston, is a well-established firm specializing in buyouts and growth investments in the middle market. Since its founding in 1999, Audax has completed over 150 platform investments and more than 1,000 add-on acquisitions, showcasing its ability to scale businesses across diverse sectors, including healthcare, technology, and industrials.

A standout investment includes its work with Mobileum, a global provider of analytics solutions for telecommunications, where Audax provided strategic support to accelerate growth.

Copley Equity Partners

Copley Equity Partners, located in Boston, focuses on investments in small and mid-sized businesses with growth potential. The firm targets sectors like healthcare, technology, and business services, working closely with entrepreneurs to provide capital and operational expertise.

One notable investment is its partnership with ProPharma Group, where Copley Equity Partners helped scale operations and expand service offerings in the life sciences industry. Known for its hands-on approach, the firm tailors its strategies to meet the unique needs of each portfolio company.

Let’s Recap

Massachusetts boasts a vibrant private equity ecosystem that has played a pivotal role in shaping industries and businesses across the nation. From global giants like Bain Capital to mid-market specialists like Charlesbank, these firms continue to drive innovation and economic growth.

If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner seeking growth capital, finding the right private equity partner is crucial. Platforms like Private Equity List simplify this process by connecting businesses with relevant investors tailored to their needs.

Sign up today at Private Equity List to discover the perfect partner for your business journey!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity?

Private equity involves investing in private or public companies, aiming to enhance operations, drive growth, and generate substantial returns.

How do private equity firms benefit companies?

Private equity firms provide businesses with capital, strategic guidance, and operational expertise, helping them scale operations and enter new markets.

What is growth equity?

Growth equity is a form of private equity investment that focuses on providing capital to established companies with proven business models that need funding to scale further. Unlike venture capital, which typically targets early-stage startups, or buyouts, which involve acquiring control of companies, growth equity investors take minority or majority stakes in businesses poised for expansion. 

What industries do Massachusetts private equity firms focus on?

Massachusetts PE firms typically target industries like healthcare, technology, consumer products, and financial services, reflecting the state’s economic strengths.

What are the best private equity firms in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is home to some of the nation's leading private equity firms, including Bain Capital, Advent International, TA Associates, Charlesbank Capital Partners, Berkshire Partners, and Summit Partners. These firms specialize in industries such as healthcare, technology, consumer products, and financial services.