Top Private Equity Firms in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, North Carolina, is a growing hub for innovation and investment, attracting private equity (PE) firms that drive business growth across diverse sectors. Known for its vibrant business ecosystem and proximity to Research Triangle Park, Raleigh is home to firms investing in technology, healthcare, and more.

In this article, we’ll explore the top private equity firms in Raleigh, highlighting their portfolios, investment strategies, and key contributions.

Plexus Capital

Founded in 2005, Plexus Capital is a leading private equity firm with an office in Raleigh. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to small and mid-sized businesses, with investments typically ranging from $15 million to $75 million.

Plexus focuses on sectors like business services, healthcare, and niche manufacturing. One notable investment is Smith Mountain Industries, where Plexus facilitated operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives. Their collaborative approach with management teams has earned them a reputation for fostering sustainable growth in their portfolio companies.

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NovaQuest Capital Management

NovaQuest Capital Management, established in 2010 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a life sciences investment firm specializing in biopharmaceuticals. With over $2.5 billion raised across multiple asset classes, NovaQuest provides tailored capital solutions to fund innovation in biopharmaceutical development and invests in healthcare companies with products and technologies aimed at enhancing human and animal health.

The firm's investment strategies include late-stage Product Finance™ investments in global biopharmaceutical products and a focus on animal health. Notable transactions include a $50 million royalty monetization financing with FibroGen and a $70 million non-dilutive product finance transaction with Hansa Biopharma, supporting the development of antibody-cleaving enzyme technology across multiple therapeutic areas.

Eller Capital Partners

Eller Capital Partners, founded in 2011, is a real estate private equity firm headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (28 miles northwest of Raleigh). The firm focuses exclusively on multifamily assets in growing regions of the Southeastern U.S.

Since 2007, Eller Capital Partners has acquired and enhanced approximately $400 million worth of well-located, underperforming properties, applying a vertically integrated, value-added approach that has generated attractive risk-adjusted returns.

Their portfolio includes various multifamily communities across the region, reflecting their commitment to strategic investment and property enhancement.

Five Points Capital

Five Points Capital, founded in 1997 and located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (100 miles west of Raleigh), is a private equity firm specializing in the U.S. lower middle market. The firm provides flexible unitranche, subordinated, and second-lien debt financing, as well as equity co-investment capital, to support buyouts, recapitalizations, acquisitions, and refinancings.

With over 100 years of combined investment experience, Five Points Capital has invested in more than 200 companies across 33 U.S. states. Notable investments include partnerships with companies like Blake & Pendleton, a provider of industrial equipment and services, and GrammaTech, a cybersecurity solutions firm.

In March 2022, Five Points Capital closed its fourth credit fund, Five Points Credit SBIC IV, L.P., with $357 million in commitments, exceeding its original target of $325 million. This fund enables the firm to continue its strategy of providing debt and equity co-investment capital in support of lower middle market buyouts.

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Pamlico Capital

Pamlico Capital, established in 1988 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina (165 miles southwest of Raleigh), is a private equity firm specializing in growth capital and leveraged buyout investments in middle-market companies. The firm focuses on sectors such as communications, healthcare IT, information services, software, and tech-enabled services.

Since its inception, Pamlico Capital has invested approximately $3.8 billion in more than 200 companies. Notable investments include Daxko, Dexter & Chaney, Lightower Fiber Networks, MetaMetrics, Secure-24, Service Express, symplr, TMW Systems, and Wilcon.

In February 2020, Pamlico Capital closed its fifth fund, Pamlico Capital V, at the hard cap with total commitments of $1.4 billion. This fund aims to invest in growing companies with enterprise values between $50 million and $350 million, seeking equity investments ranging from $25 million to $125 million.

Let’s Recap

Raleigh, NC, is home to several influential private equity firms that drive growth and innovation across technology, healthcare, and other critical sectors. These firms are known for their strategic investments, operational expertise, and ability to create lasting value.

If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner looking to grow your company, identifying the right private equity partner is essential. Platforms like Private Equity List make this process easier by connecting businesses with relevant investors.

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Private Equity List is a top choice for finding investment opportunities in new markets. It's a straightforward and detailed site for people looking for private equity, venture capital, and angel investors. You don't have to sign up or subscribe to use it.

With global perspective (incl. US, EU and UK) and special focus on regions like the Middle East, Africa, Pan-Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe, Private Equity List provides vital info on investors, such as how much they invest, what regions and industries they're interested in, and how to contact key team members. This means you get everything you need to find, check out, and reach out to potential investors for your project. We also pay attention to early stage founders.

Check out Private Equity List to begin searching for investors.

Our team, experienced in financial services and committed to helping businesses and entrepreneurs, keeps adding around 300 new companies to our database every month. This effort has made us a reliable source for anyone looking to find investment in markets that don't get enough attention. Check out Private Equity List to begin searching for investors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity?

Private equity involves investing capital in private companies or taking public companies private, with the goal of improving operations and driving growth for higher returns.

How does private equity benefit companies?

Private equity firms provide companies with capital, strategic guidance, and operational expertise, enabling them to scale, enter new markets, and improve efficiency.

What types of companies do private equity firms invest in?

Private equity firms invest in a wide range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrials. They typically target companies with strong growth potential.

What is growth equity?

Growth equity is a type of private equity investment where firms provide capital to companies with proven business models to help them scale further. Unlike buyouts, growth equity investors usually take minority stakes.

How do private equity firms create value?

Private equity firms create value by improving operational efficiencies, driving strategic acquisitions, expanding market reach, and enhancing management structures.

How can I find the right private equity firm?

Platforms like Private Equity List allow businesses to filter and connect with private equity firms based on their industry focus, location, and investment needs.