Key Takeaways
- Global PE AUM grew to $5.8 trillion by end-2023.
- Dry powder represented 44% of total PE AUM in 2023.
- Number of PE firms worldwide reached 12,500 in 2023.
- Global PE dry powder hit $2.6 trillion by Q1 2024, up 5% QoQ.
- PE deal value reached $743 billion in 2023, down 21% from 2022.
- Number of PE deals globally was 14,800 in 2023, flat YoY.
- Global PE exit value was $486 billion in 2023, down 28% YoY.
- Number of PE exits dropped to 7,400 in 2023 from 9,800 in 2022.
- IPO exits for PE fell to 180 in 2023, raising $42 billion.
- Global private equity fundraising totaled $1.17 trillion in 2023, the second-highest year on record despite a 24% decline from the 2022 peak.
- North American PE funds raised $486 billion in 2023, accounting for 42% of global totals.
- The number of PE funds closed in 2023 dropped to 1,987, down 31% from 2022.
- Global PE net IRR for 2023 vintages averaged 15.2%.
- Buyout funds delivered median TVPI of 1.75x as of 2023.
- Top quartile PE funds achieved 22% net IRR through 2023.
Global private equity scaled to $5.8 trillion AUM in 2023 as fundraising softened, while digital and ESG themes surged.
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Deal Activity
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Exits
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Fundraising
Fundraising Interpretation
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Performance Metrics
Performance Metrics Interpretation
How We Rate Confidence
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
David Kowalski. (2026, February 13). Private Equity Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/private-equity-industry-statistics
David Kowalski. "Private Equity Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/private-equity-industry-statistics.
David Kowalski. 2026. "Private Equity Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/private-equity-industry-statistics.
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