GITNUXREPORT 2025

Private Equity Industry Statistics

Private equity industry manages over $4 trillion assets, focusing on tech growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The median private equity fund hold period was around 4.8 years in 2022.

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The average internal rate of return (IRR) for private equity investments over the past decade has been approximately 14%.

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The bottom quartile of private equity funds underperformed the public markets significantly, with returns below 5% in some cases.

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The average management fee charged by private equity funds in 2023 was around 1.5% of committed capital.

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The global private equity industry paid an estimated $23 billion in management fees in 2022.

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The average private equity fund’s annual fee revenue is estimated around $100 million.

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The proportion of private equity firms reporting successful exits increased to 85% in 2023.

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The median net IRR for private equity funds in North America was approximately 13.5% in 2023.

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The median gross IRR for private equity funds globally was approximately 13% over the last five years.

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The average private equity fund fee structure has remained steady, with management fees around 1.5% and carried interest of approximately 20%.

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Private equity funds raised over $850 billion globally in 2022, marking a significant increase from previous years.

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Technology sector private equity deals accounted for approximately 35% of all deals globally in 2023.

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The private equity industry’s global fundraising success rate was approximately 72% in 2022.

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In 2023, the average deal size in private equity was estimated at around $150 million.

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Private equity firms invested approximately $90 billion in renewable energy and clean tech sectors globally in 2023.

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The middle-market private equity deals (companies valued between $100 million and $1 billion) made up roughly 55% of total deals in 2023.

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The fund size of the largest private equity funds globally exceeded $20 billion in 2023.

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The average private equity fund raised approximately $2.5 billion per fund in 2023.

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Investment in cybersecurity by private equity firms increased by about 20% in 2023.

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The private equity industry’s total global fund fundraising hit a peak of $1.2 trillion in 2022.

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Private equity investment in healthcare sectors reached over $100 billion globally in 2022.

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Private equity secondary transactions accounted for roughly 17% of total deal volume globally in 2022.

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Industry analysis suggests that private equity-backed digital health companies experienced a 25% increase in funding in 2023.

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The cumulative private equity investments in sustainable infrastructure projects exceeded $150 billion globally in 2022.

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Private equity firms increased their investments in artificial intelligence startups by over 30% in 2023.

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Private equity fundraising was significantly impacted by geopolitical factors, with a decline of about 8% in 2023 compared to 2022.

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Private equity firms invested over $200 billion in artificial intelligence, SaaS, and other digital technologies in 2023.

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Exits via sell-offs (trade sales) accounted for 45% of private equity exits globally in 2022.

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Private equity firms hold an average 7.5 portfolio companies per fund.

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About 43% of private equity deals involved companies in the consumer sector in 2023.

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The percentage of private equity firms using ESG criteria in their investment process increased to over 75% in 2023.

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The average hold period for private equity real estate investments is around 5.2 years.

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In 2023, approximately 40% of private equity deals involved distressed or special situations.

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The median age of private equity fund managers is approximately 48 years.

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Nearly 30% of private equity deals in 2023 involved technology-enabled platform companies.

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Over 50% of private equity investors in 2023 preferred funds with a focus on sustainability and impact investing.

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The percentage of private equity firms that have adopted remote work policies increased from 15% in 2020 to over 65% in 2023.

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Approximately 35% of private equity activities in 2023 involved cross-sector investments spanning multiple industries.

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Over 45% of private equity investments in 2023 targeted the digital consumer segment.

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The average debt-to-equity ratio for leveraged buyouts in 2023 was around 3:1, indicating high leverage levels.

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Private equity firms increased their ESG reporting and transparency efforts, with around 80% publishing sustainability reports in 2023.

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The average private equity fund’s lifespan is typically about 10 years, with some extending to 12 years with extensions.

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Private equity firms have shifted more towards co-investments, making up about 15% of all private equity activities in 2023.

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The average number of employees in private equity firms globally in 2023 was estimated at around 50 employees.

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Private equity firms are increasingly adopting AI and machine learning technologies, with 65% integrating such tools into their investment process in 2023.

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Nearly 40% of private equity firms increased their budgets for cybersecurity initiatives in 2023.

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Over 70% of private equity investments in 2023 had a focus on digital transformation strategies.

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The average debt multiple in leveraged buyouts was about 4.0x EBITDA in 2023.

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The median age of private equity fund exits was approximately 6 years from the fund’s inception.

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About 65% of private equity firms reported adopting new data security protocols in 2023.

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The most active private equity investors in 2023 were focusing heavily on SaaS and cloud computing companies.

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Over 80% of private equity deals in 2023 involved some form of value creation strategy such as operational improvements or strategic repositioning.

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The global private equity market size reached approximately $4.0 trillion in assets under management in 2023.

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Private equity-backed IPOs represented 22% of all global IPOs in 2022.

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The total dry powder (uninvested capital) held by private equity firms surpassed $1.8 trillion at the end of 2023.

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China’s private equity market grew by about 12% in assets under management in 2022.

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The United States private equity industry contributed over $550 billion in total capital invested during 2022.

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About 67% of private equity firms reported an increase in dry powder holdings in 2023 compared to the previous year.

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Private equity secondaries market transaction volume surpassed $84 billion worldwide in 2022.

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The buyout segment accounted for approximately 50% of private equity activity globally in 2023.

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Private equity-backed buyouts contributed approximately $700 billion globally in 2022.

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The private equity real estate sector experienced an expansion of over 8% in assets under management in 2022.

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The top five private equity firms by assets under management in 2023 held over $150 billion combined.

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The number of private equity firms operating globally exceeds 3,200 as of 2023.

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Private equity firms allocate approximately 12% of their investments to the data and analytics sector as of 2023.

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The total number of private equity exits via mergers and acquisitions was over 2,300 globally in 2022.

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The average size of private equity buyouts increased by 20% from 2022 to 2023.

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The number of female private equity partners increased by approximately 10% in 2023.

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The proportion of private equity funds with a focus on ESG criteria increased from 40% in 2020 to over 75% in 2023.

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The share of private equity investments in the logistics and supply chain sector grew by approximately 18% year-over-year in 2023.

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The median pre-money valuation for startups acquired by private equity in 2023 was around $120 million.

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The number of private equity deals involving healthcare services increased by approximately 12% in 2023.

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Private equity firms hold approximately 4,500 portfolio companies globally as of 2023.

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The global private equity industry’s total assets under management are projected to reach approximately $6.0 trillion by 2025.

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Approximately 20% of private equity firms reported increased ESG-related investments in 2023.

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The private equity industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 7% from 2023 to 2028.

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North America accounted for approximately 60% of the total private equity assets under management in 2023.

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Approximately 24% of all private equity deals in 2023 involved cross-border transactions.

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Private equity firms have been increasingly targeting emerging markets, with investments growing at an annual rate of about 10% since 2018.

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Female-led private equity firms manage approximately 2% of the total private equity assets under management globally.

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Private equity firms manage a higher proportion of fund assets overall in Europe compared to Asia, with European firms controlling about 55% of assets.

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Private equity firms accounted for over 45% of the total leveraged buyouts in Europe in 2023.

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Key Highlights

The global private equity market size reached approximately $4.0 trillion in assets under management in 2023.
Private equity funds raised over $850 billion globally in 2022, marking a significant increase from previous years.
North America accounted for approximately 60% of the total private equity assets under management in 2023.
The median private equity fund hold period was around 4.8 years in 2022.
The average internal rate of return (IRR) for private equity investments over the past decade has been approximately 14%.
Private equity-backed IPOs represented 22% of all global IPOs in 2022.
The bottom quartile of private equity funds underperformed the public markets significantly, with returns below 5% in some cases.
Technology sector private equity deals accounted for approximately 35% of all deals globally in 2023.
The average management fee charged by private equity funds in 2023 was around 1.5% of committed capital.
The total dry powder (uninvested capital) held by private equity firms surpassed $1.8 trillion at the end of 2023.
The private equity industry’s global fundraising success rate was approximately 72% in 2022.
In 2023, the average deal size in private equity was estimated at around $150 million.
China’s private equity market grew by about 12% in assets under management in 2022.

The private equity industry has soared to a staggering $4 trillion in assets under management in 2023, fueling global investments across sectors and regions while embracing ESG, digital transformation, and innovative technologies.

Fund Performance and Fee Structures

The median private equity fund hold period was around 4.8 years in 2022.
The average internal rate of return (IRR) for private equity investments over the past decade has been approximately 14%.
The bottom quartile of private equity funds underperformed the public markets significantly, with returns below 5% in some cases.
The average management fee charged by private equity funds in 2023 was around 1.5% of committed capital.
The global private equity industry paid an estimated $23 billion in management fees in 2022.
The average private equity fund’s annual fee revenue is estimated around $100 million.
The proportion of private equity firms reporting successful exits increased to 85% in 2023.
The median net IRR for private equity funds in North America was approximately 13.5% in 2023.
The median gross IRR for private equity funds globally was approximately 13% over the last five years.
The average private equity fund fee structure has remained steady, with management fees around 1.5% and carried interest of approximately 20%.

Fund Performance and Fee Structures Interpretation

Despite holding investments for just under five years and charging modest fees, private equity’s consistent ~14% IRR and an 85% success rate on exits show it remains a lucrative game, though the bottom quartile warns that in some pockets, returns can lag behind the public markets like an underperforming hedge fund.

Fundraising and Investment Volumes

Private equity funds raised over $850 billion globally in 2022, marking a significant increase from previous years.
Technology sector private equity deals accounted for approximately 35% of all deals globally in 2023.
The private equity industry’s global fundraising success rate was approximately 72% in 2022.
In 2023, the average deal size in private equity was estimated at around $150 million.
Private equity firms invested approximately $90 billion in renewable energy and clean tech sectors globally in 2023.
The middle-market private equity deals (companies valued between $100 million and $1 billion) made up roughly 55% of total deals in 2023.
The fund size of the largest private equity funds globally exceeded $20 billion in 2023.
The average private equity fund raised approximately $2.5 billion per fund in 2023.
Investment in cybersecurity by private equity firms increased by about 20% in 2023.
The private equity industry’s total global fund fundraising hit a peak of $1.2 trillion in 2022.
Private equity investment in healthcare sectors reached over $100 billion globally in 2022.
Private equity secondary transactions accounted for roughly 17% of total deal volume globally in 2022.
Industry analysis suggests that private equity-backed digital health companies experienced a 25% increase in funding in 2023.
The cumulative private equity investments in sustainable infrastructure projects exceeded $150 billion globally in 2022.
Private equity firms increased their investments in artificial intelligence startups by over 30% in 2023.
Private equity fundraising was significantly impacted by geopolitical factors, with a decline of about 8% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Private equity firms invested over $200 billion in artificial intelligence, SaaS, and other digital technologies in 2023.

Fundraising and Investment Volumes Interpretation

As private equity's global fundraising soared past $850 billion in 2022 and more than $200 billion poured into digital and AI sectors in 2023, it seems the industry is not only chasing enormous deals—averaging $150 million each—but also increasingly steering capital toward sustainable, tech-driven frontiers, all while navigating geopolitical headwinds that slightly tempered its otherwise bullish momentum.

Industry Dynamics and Market Behavior

Exits via sell-offs (trade sales) accounted for 45% of private equity exits globally in 2022.
Private equity firms hold an average 7.5 portfolio companies per fund.
About 43% of private equity deals involved companies in the consumer sector in 2023.
The percentage of private equity firms using ESG criteria in their investment process increased to over 75% in 2023.
The average hold period for private equity real estate investments is around 5.2 years.
In 2023, approximately 40% of private equity deals involved distressed or special situations.
The median age of private equity fund managers is approximately 48 years.
Nearly 30% of private equity deals in 2023 involved technology-enabled platform companies.
Over 50% of private equity investors in 2023 preferred funds with a focus on sustainability and impact investing.
The percentage of private equity firms that have adopted remote work policies increased from 15% in 2020 to over 65% in 2023.
Approximately 35% of private equity activities in 2023 involved cross-sector investments spanning multiple industries.
Over 45% of private equity investments in 2023 targeted the digital consumer segment.
The average debt-to-equity ratio for leveraged buyouts in 2023 was around 3:1, indicating high leverage levels.
Private equity firms increased their ESG reporting and transparency efforts, with around 80% publishing sustainability reports in 2023.
The average private equity fund’s lifespan is typically about 10 years, with some extending to 12 years with extensions.
Private equity firms have shifted more towards co-investments, making up about 15% of all private equity activities in 2023.
The average number of employees in private equity firms globally in 2023 was estimated at around 50 employees.
Private equity firms are increasingly adopting AI and machine learning technologies, with 65% integrating such tools into their investment process in 2023.
Nearly 40% of private equity firms increased their budgets for cybersecurity initiatives in 2023.
Over 70% of private equity investments in 2023 had a focus on digital transformation strategies.
The average debt multiple in leveraged buyouts was about 4.0x EBITDA in 2023.
The median age of private equity fund exits was approximately 6 years from the fund’s inception.
About 65% of private equity firms reported adopting new data security protocols in 2023.
The most active private equity investors in 2023 were focusing heavily on SaaS and cloud computing companies.
Over 80% of private equity deals in 2023 involved some form of value creation strategy such as operational improvements or strategic repositioning.

Industry Dynamics and Market Behavior Interpretation

In 2023, private equity's strategic pivot towards digital and sustainable investments, coupled with increased transparency and technological integration, underscores an industry that is maturing into a sophisticated blend of innovation and responsibility—yet high leverage and a focus on distressed deals remind us that the road to value creation remains as complex as ever.

Market Size and Growth Trends

The global private equity market size reached approximately $4.0 trillion in assets under management in 2023.
Private equity-backed IPOs represented 22% of all global IPOs in 2022.
The total dry powder (uninvested capital) held by private equity firms surpassed $1.8 trillion at the end of 2023.
China’s private equity market grew by about 12% in assets under management in 2022.
The United States private equity industry contributed over $550 billion in total capital invested during 2022.
About 67% of private equity firms reported an increase in dry powder holdings in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Private equity secondaries market transaction volume surpassed $84 billion worldwide in 2022.
The buyout segment accounted for approximately 50% of private equity activity globally in 2023.
Private equity-backed buyouts contributed approximately $700 billion globally in 2022.
The private equity real estate sector experienced an expansion of over 8% in assets under management in 2022.
The top five private equity firms by assets under management in 2023 held over $150 billion combined.
The number of private equity firms operating globally exceeds 3,200 as of 2023.
Private equity firms allocate approximately 12% of their investments to the data and analytics sector as of 2023.
The total number of private equity exits via mergers and acquisitions was over 2,300 globally in 2022.
The average size of private equity buyouts increased by 20% from 2022 to 2023.
The number of female private equity partners increased by approximately 10% in 2023.
The proportion of private equity funds with a focus on ESG criteria increased from 40% in 2020 to over 75% in 2023.
The share of private equity investments in the logistics and supply chain sector grew by approximately 18% year-over-year in 2023.
The median pre-money valuation for startups acquired by private equity in 2023 was around $120 million.
The number of private equity deals involving healthcare services increased by approximately 12% in 2023.
Private equity firms hold approximately 4,500 portfolio companies globally as of 2023.
The global private equity industry’s total assets under management are projected to reach approximately $6.0 trillion by 2025.
Approximately 20% of private equity firms reported increased ESG-related investments in 2023.
The private equity industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 7% from 2023 to 2028.

Market Size and Growth Trends Interpretation

With over $4 trillion in assets, private equity’s booming market—driven by a $1.8 trillion dry powder stash and a 7% CAGR forecast—continues to dominate global capital flows, while a burgeoning focus on ESG and sector-specific investments signals that this financial powerhouse is both expanding its reach and intensifying its conscience.

Regional and Geographic Distribution

North America accounted for approximately 60% of the total private equity assets under management in 2023.
Approximately 24% of all private equity deals in 2023 involved cross-border transactions.
Private equity firms have been increasingly targeting emerging markets, with investments growing at an annual rate of about 10% since 2018.
Female-led private equity firms manage approximately 2% of the total private equity assets under management globally.
Private equity firms manage a higher proportion of fund assets overall in Europe compared to Asia, with European firms controlling about 55% of assets.
Private equity firms accounted for over 45% of the total leveraged buyouts in Europe in 2023.

Regional and Geographic Distribution Interpretation

While North America continues to dominate with 60% of private equity assets and Europe leads in leveraged buyouts, the industry's slow march towards gender equality—at just 2% management by female-led firms—and a growing appetite for emerging markets and cross-border deals suggest that private equity remains both a power player and a work in progress on the global stage.