eQ Asset Management Raises $168 Million for eQ PE XVII US Fund
Funding | Apr 28, 2025 | EQ Varainhoito Oy
eQ Asset Management, through its eQ PE XVII US fund, has successfully raised USD 168 million in the beginning of 2025. The fund targets small and medium-sized companies across the United States and Canada through a diversified portfolio that includes sector-specialized funds and co-investments. This venture marks the continuation of eQ's longstanding partnership with Chicago-based RCP Advisors, adding to a total of USD 1.2 billion raised for their US-focused investments. Despite a generally less active M&A market, the lower middle market segment presents attractive opportunities with lower entry valuations and operational value creation, favoring exits to industrial buyers or larger PE firms. In late 2024 and early 2025, eQ signed over EUR 330 million in private equity programs, bringing their total to approximately EUR 1 billion. eQ's robust portfolio includes EUR 13.4 billion in assets under management, emphasizing private equity investments intended for professional investors.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Investment Management
Geography
- United States – The eQ PE XVII US fund targets investments within the United States, focusing on small and medium-sized companies.
- Canada – The fund also aims at making investments in companies located in Canada.
- Finland – eQ Asset Management is based in Finland, which is the origin of this private equity initiative.
Industry
- Private Equity – The article focuses on eQ Asset Management's fundraising for the eQ PE XVII US fund, emphasizing private equity investments in small and medium-sized companies.
- Investment Management – eQ Asset Management is managing large-scale investments and forming diversified portfolios for professional investors.
Financials
- USD 168 million – The amount raised by eQ PE XVII US fund at the start of 2025.
- EUR 13.4 billion – Total assets under management by eQ Asset Management at the end of 2024.
- EUR 330 million – The amount signed in private equity programmes by eQ in late 2024 and early 2025.
- USD 1.2 billion – Total funds raised by eQ for its US funds through collaboration with RCP Advisors.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| eQ Asset Management Ltd | Private Equity Firm | Company | A Finnish investment management firm raising funds for private equity investments across North America. |
| RCP Advisors | Private Equity Manager | Company | A Chicago-based private equity manager specializing in lower middle market North American funds. |
| Staffan Jfs | Head of Private Equity | Person | Head of Private Equity at eQ Asset Management, providing insights on the fund's strategy and market outlook. |