
The Carlyle Group
Description
The Carlyle Group is a prominent global investment firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., renowned for its extensive activities across private equity, credit, and investment solutions. Established in 1987, Carlyle has grown into one of the world's largest alternative asset managers, overseeing a diverse portfolio that spans various industries and geographies. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, the firm reported a substantial $426 billion in assets under management, underscoring its significant capital deployment capabilities and influence in the global financial markets. Carlyle's strategic approach is characterized by its deep industry expertise and a focus on value creation through operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
Carlyle's investment strategies are broadly categorized into Corporate Private Equity, Global Credit, and Investment Solutions. Within Corporate Private Equity, the firm executes large-scale leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, and strategic minority stakes in established companies. Their sector focus is broad, encompassing aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrials, real estate, technology, media & telecom, and transportation. While the user's description mentions "early and later-stage," it's crucial to note that Carlyle's "early-stage" typically refers to growth equity investments in more mature, rapidly scaling companies rather than seed or Series A venture capital.
For its growth equity arm, Carlyle Growth Equity Partners, the firm typically targets companies with enterprise values ranging from $100 million to $1 billion, deploying equity checks generally between $25 million and $200 million. This segment focuses on technology-enabled businesses and other high-growth sectors. For its flagship buyout funds, which constitute a significant portion of its private equity activities, Carlyle's equity investments can range from hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars per transaction, targeting companies with substantial enterprise values. The firm's long-term investment horizon and active partnership approach aim to drive sustainable growth and profitability in its portfolio companies.
Carlyle's global footprint is extensive, with offices across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, enabling it to source and execute deals worldwide. The firm leverages its vast network and operational expertise to identify attractive investment opportunities and enhance the value of its portfolio companies. Its reputation is built on a track record of successful exits and a disciplined investment process, making it a key player in the alternative asset management industry.
Investor Profile
The Carlyle Group has backed more than 328 startups, with 14 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 175 rounds, about 53% of its total and boasts 125 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Private Equity, Series Unknown, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, China, India.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Health Care, Information Technology.
- Led 7 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $25M – $1000M.
Stage Focus
- Private Equity (35%)
- Series Unknown (15%)
- Series B (14%)
- Series A (8%)
- Series C (7%)
- Debt Financing (5%)
- Series D (5%)
- Series E (3%)
- Post Ipo Equity (3%)
- Seed (1%)
Country Focus
- United States (56%)
- China (8%)
- India (7%)
- United Kingdom (5%)
- France (2%)
- Ireland (2%)
- Spain (2%)
- Japan (2%)
- Germany (2%)
- South Korea (2%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Health Care
- Information Technology
- Financial Services
- Internet
- Manufacturing
- Medical Device
- Medical
- Finance
- Fintech
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.