Funds

Chart of the Week: Quarterly private equity fundraising

Capital raised in Q1 2015 equals Q1 2014 through the final close of 25 fewer funds 

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Private Equity International’s fundraising numbers reveal that $80.3 billion was raised for private equity transactions in Q1 2015. However, this total was made up of only 150 funds that held a final close – the lowest in any quarter since 2013.

 

44 percent of total capital raised will be deployed in North America, more than in any other region. Funds focused on Asia-Pacific also had a good start to the year securing $13.7 billion, which is 40 percent more than in the same period last year. Baring Asia Private Equity Fund VI was the largest fund to close at $3.9 billion with a specific focus on China and India.

 

Venture capital and growth funds raised $26.8 billion – 35 percent of the total capital raised last year for the strategy. The strategy is set for a strong year if it continues the momentum. NGP Natural Resources XI, a venture and growth energy fund, was the largest to close in the quarter raising $5.3 billion. The North America-focused fund closed $800 million ahead of its target.

 

There are over 2,100 funds currently raising capital, with an aggregate target size of $725 billion. Both Blackstone and TPG are currently raising funds targeting in excess of $10 billion. We predict another strong year for private equity fundraising and a continuation of the theme of more capital being raised by a select group of GPs.