Private Equity Wire US Awards 2026

Since 2006, Private Equity Wire® has been recognising excellence in the fields of private markets fundraising, portfolio performance, and service provision in its annual awards programme.

Winners of this year’s programme are invited to attend our networking celebration event, held on the evening of our annual Private Equity Wire® New York Summit – where LPs and GPs will be present to congratulate the Class of 2026.

Join us and a prestigious group of leading investors, allocators, and industry peers.

Accounting, Reporting, Audit & Tax

Accounting & Fund Reporting Software of the Year

The winning software provider will deliver a platform that meaningfully reduces the administrative burden of financial reporting for fund managers. Entrants should demonstrate how their solution improves accuracy, automates routine processes, and integrates with existing fund management workflows.

Accounting & Fund Reporting Solution of the Year

Financial reporting is a critical function for fund managers. The winning service provider will have proven to excel in their support of clients with tasks such as administration, reporting, workflow and cash management.

Advisory Firm of the Year: Tax

The winning tax advisory firm will demonstrate deep expertise in the complex tax landscape faced by US-based private equity fund managers and their portfolio companies. Entrants should provide examples of tax planning initiatives, fund structure optimisation, and transactional tax advice that delivered measurable value to clients.

Audit Firm of the Year: Mid-Market Private Equity

The winning middle-market audit firm in this category will be able to prove excellent customer satisfaction in the period under review. Consider case exampes of intitiatives that led to an exceptionally positive client impact.

Audit Firm of the Year: Overall

The winning overall audit firm in this category will be able to prove excellent customer satisfaction in the period under review. Consider case exampes of intitiatives that led to an exceptionally positive client impact. To be considered overall winner of this category, service providers should deal with funds that are 5+ years old and with an AUM of over $1billion.

Advisory, Compliance & Finance

Advisory Firm of the Year: ESG

This winning ESG firm will go above and beyond to help their clients integrate ESG into their operations and decision-making. Through strategic or transactional support, this service provider will be integral in helping clients achieve their sustainability goals and meet investor demands.

Advisory Firm of the Year: Overall

The winning advisory firm will demonstrate a breadth of expertise that enables fund managers to navigate complex strategic, operational, and transactional challenges. Entrants should provide evidence of exceptional client outcomes across the period under review, highlighting the impact of their advice on fund performance and decision-making.

Compliance Service of the Year: Fund Domicile

The winning service provider will be able to show expertise in navigating the complex regulatory landscapes – within their own jurisdictions and others – giving fund managers a clear understanding of opportunities and limitations.

Compliance Service of the Year: Overall

As the private equity landscape expands and diversifies, and new regulations come into consideration, fund managers rely on this service to ensure their growth strategies remain scalable and compliant. The winning service provider will be able to show expertise in this field.

Financial Modelling & Analytics Firm of the Year

The winning financial modelling and analytics firm will demonstrate a proven ability to deliver sophisticated, reliable models that support investment decision-making, portfolio monitoring, and fund reporting for private equity managers. Entrants should provide examples of modelling work completed during the period under review and the tangible impact on client outcomes.

Middle Office Service of the Year

The winning middle office service provider will demonstrate exceptional capabilities in bridging the front and back office functions of private equity fund managers, including trade support, portfolio monitoring, data management, and reporting. Entrants should provide evidence of the efficiency gains and operational improvements delivered to clients during the period under review.

Regulatory & Compliance Firm of the Year

This winning firm will be an expert in regulatory compliance, providing essential guidance to navigate complex regulations within relevant jurisdictions.

Valuation Service of the Year

The winning valuation service provider will demonstrate rigorous, independent, and defensible valuation capabilities across the range of asset types held by private equity fund managers. Entrants should provide evidence of valuation mandates completed during the period under review, the quality and independence of the methodologies applied, and the confidence their valuations have provided to fund managers, LPs, and auditors.

Data, Research & Analytics

Benchmarking & Performance Analytics Provider of the Year

The winning provider will deliver a benchmarking and performance analytics solution that equips fund managers with meaningful, comparable data to assess their funds against relevant peer groups. Entrants should demonstrate the breadth and quality of their data universe, the rigour of their methodology, and how their insights support better investment decision-making.

Data Provider of the Year: Credit

This winning service will excel in data management. Fund managers will be provided with a streamlined service that reduces the complexity involved in managing large volumes of credit data.

Data Provider of the Year: ESG Data Management

The winning entrant will be able to demonstrate their ability to manage the vast amounts of data in the ESG universe, and streamline the process to reduce the burden on managers and portfolio companies, while staying focused on the metrics that matter most.

Data Provider of the Year: Overall

This winning firm provides a platform that arms its clients with intelligence in a speedy and effective way. Entrants should provide information on what data type their organisation offers, and how this adds more value to fund managers than its competitors.

Ratings Provider of the Year

The winning ratings provider will demonstrate the analytical rigour, market coverage, and practical utility of their ratings and assessment services for private equity managers and their investors. Entrants should provide evidence of the quality of the ratings methodology applied, the breadth of the universe covered, and the ways in which their assessments have supported better investment and allocation decisions.

Research Solution of the Year

The winning research solution will demonstrate an ability to arm private equity managers with timely, differentiated market intelligence that informs investment decisions and strategy. Entrants should provide evidence of the breadth and quality of the research output, the methodology underpinning it, and how their solution delivers insights that are not readily available through other sources.

Strategic Intelligence Provider of the Year

The winning strategic intelligence provider will demonstrate a platform or service that delivers actionable market, competitive, and macroeconomic intelligence to private equity fund managers. Entrants should provide evidence of the quality and timeliness of the intelligence provided, the analytical frameworks applied, and the ways in which their insights have influenced client strategy or investment decisions.

Deal Making

Co-Investment Platform of the Year

The winning co-investment platform will provide fund managers and their LP investors with a seamless, efficient process for sourcing, evaluating, and executing co-investment opportunities. Entrants should demonstrate the breadth of deal flow facilitated, the quality of the technology enabling the process, and evidence of strong outcomes for both GPs and co-investing LPs.

Deal Origination Solution of the Year: Buyouts

The winning buyout deal origination solution will demonstrate a proven ability to surface high-quality acquisition opportunities for private equity managers before they reach broadly marketed processes. Entrants should provide evidence of proprietary deal flow generated, the quality of the data and network underpinning the platform, and the commercial outcomes achieved for clients.

Deal Origination Solution of the Year: Credit

The winning credit deal origination solution will demonstrate a proven ability to connect private credit managers with high-quality lending and investment opportunities. Entrants should provide evidence of deal flow volume and quality, the origination technology or network deployed, and the commercial outcomes delivered for credit fund manager clients.

Deal Origination Solution of the Year: Overall

The winning deal origination solution will demonstrate an outstanding ability to generate proprietary deal flow for private equity managers across strategies. Entrants should outline the technology, data, and network capabilities that set their platform apart, and provide evidence of deal flow quality and client outcomes across the period under review.

Debt Advisory Firm of the Year

The winning debt advisory firm will have demonstrated exceptional expertise in structuring and securing debt financing solutions for private equity transactions during the period under review. Entrants should highlight their track record of complex financings executed, the quality of lender relationships deployed, and the measurable value delivered to fund manager clients.

Due Diligence Service Provider of the Year

The winning due diligence service provider will demonstrate the ability to deliver thorough, efficient, and insightful analysis that gives private equity managers confidence in their investment decisions. Entrants should provide examples of complex due diligence assignments completed during the period under review and the value their work contributed to transaction outcomes.

Fund Finance Provider of the Year

The winning fund finance provider will demonstrate exceptional expertise in structuring and delivering subscription credit facilities, NAV financing, and other fund-level capital solutions for private equity managers. Entrants should provide evidence of innovative financing structures executed, the quality of client relationships, and the measurable value their solutions delivered during the period under review.

Insurance Solution Provider of the Year: Transactions

The winning transaction insurance provider will demonstrate exceptional expertise in structuring representations and warranties, tax liability, and other transactional insurance products for private equity deals. Entrants should provide evidence of complex or innovative policies placed during the period under review and the value their solutions delivered in facilitating or protecting transaction outcomes for clients.

M&A Advisory Firm of the Year

The winning M&A advisory firm will demonstrate an exceptional track record of advising private equity managers on acquisitions, exits, and portfolio company transactions during the period under review. Entrants should provide evidence of deal volume and quality, innovation in deal structuring or process management, and the measurable outcomes achieved for clients.

Secondaries Platform of the Year

The winning secondaries platform will demonstrate an exceptional ability to facilitate the efficient buying and selling of private equity fund interests and assets. Entrants should provide evidence of transaction volume facilitated during the period under review, the quality of the buyer and seller networks accessed, and the technology and process capabilities that differentiate their platform from alternatives.

Transaction Services Firm of the Year

The winning transaction services firm will demonstrate exceptional capabilities in financial due diligence, vendor due diligence, and transactional advisory support for private equity acquisitions and exits. Entrants should provide evidence of the volume and complexity of transaction mandates completed during the period under review and the value their work delivered to deal outcomes.

Distribution, Recruitment & Talent

Executive Search Firm of the Year

The winning executive search firm will demonstrate an exceptional track record of placing high-calibre investment, operational, and leadership talent with private equity fund managers during the period under review. Entrants should provide evidence of search quality, placement success rates, candidate retention, and the depth of their network within the private equity ecosystem.

PR & Communications Agency of the Year

The winning PR and communications agency will demonstrate an exceptional ability to help private equity fund managers build their brand, communicate their investment strategy and achievements, and engage effectively with LPs, media, and other stakeholders. Entrants should provide evidence of communications programmes delivered during the period under review and the measurable impact on clients' visibility and reputation.

Recruitment Company of the Year: Investor Relations & Asset Raising

The winning recruitment firm will demonstrate an exceptional track record of placing high-calibre investor relations and asset-raising professionals with private equity fund managers during the period under review. Entrants should provide evidence of the quality of placements made, candidate retention rates, and the depth of their network within the LP relations and fundraising community.

Recruitment Company of the Year: Operations & Finance

The winning recruitment firm will demonstrate an exceptional track record of placing operations and finance professionals with private equity fund managers during the period under review. Entrants should provide evidence of the quality of placements made, the breadth of roles served — including CFO, COO, fund controller, and compliance functions — and candidate retention and client satisfaction.

ESG & Impact

ESG Solution Provider of the Year: Client Services

The winning ESG client services provider will demonstrate exceptional responsiveness, expertise, and practical support in helping fund managers implement and communicate their ESG programmes. Entrants should provide evidence of client satisfaction, the quality of ongoing advisory relationships, and specific initiatives that delivered measurable improvements in clients' ESG performance or reporting.

ESG Solution Provider of the Year: Overall

The winning ESG solution provider will offer a comprehensive and practical platform that enables private equity fund managers to integrate ESG considerations across the investment lifecycle. Entrants should demonstrate the depth and breadth of their solution, the quality of the data and frameworks underpinning it, and evidence of meaningful ESG outcomes achieved for clients.

Impact Measurement & Reporting Solution of the Year

The winning solution will demonstrate a rigorous, practical, and scalable approach to helping private equity managers measure, manage, and communicate the impact of their investments. Entrants should provide evidence of the frameworks and methodologies applied, the quality of the reporting outputs produced, and examples of how their solution has strengthened clients' impact programmes.

Sustainability Reporting & Disclosure Adviser of the Year

The winning adviser will demonstrate exceptional expertise in helping private equity fund managers navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainability reporting and disclosure requirements. Entrants should provide evidence of reporting frameworks implemented, regulatory compliance achieved on behalf of clients, and specific initiatives that improved the quality and credibility of clients' sustainability disclosures.

Fund Administration & Operations

Depositary Services of the Year

The winning depositary services provider will demonstrate rigorous oversight, strong regulatory expertise, and a client-focused approach to safeguarding fund assets. Entrants should provide evidence of their ability to navigate complex multi-jurisdictional requirements and deliver a reliable, responsive service to fund managers across the period under review.

Fund Administrator of the Year: Client Services

The winning fund administrator in this category will have delivered an exceptional client experience throughout the period under review. Entrants should provide case examples of initiatives that led to outstanding client satisfaction, including responsiveness, accuracy, communication quality, and the proactive identification and resolution of client issues.

Fund Administrator of the Year: ESG

The winning fund administrator will demonstrate a leading-edge approach to supporting clients' ESG reporting and data management requirements. Entrants should provide evidence of the ESG data capabilities, reporting frameworks, and advisory support offered to clients, and demonstrate how their service has helped fund managers meet the growing demands of LP investors and regulators.

Fund Administrator of the Year: GP's over $30Billion

The winning fund administrator in this category will demonstrate the operational scale, technical infrastructure, and depth of expertise required to serve private equity managers with AUM in excess of $30 billion. Entrants should provide evidence of their ability to handle complex, multi-fund, multi-jurisdictional mandates and deliver consistent service quality at scale.

Fund Administrator of the Year: GP's under $30Billion

The winning fund administrator in this category will demonstrate the breadth of services, operational quality, and client-focused approach required to support private equity managers with AUM below $30 billion. Entrants should provide evidence of their ability to deliver institutional-quality administration while adapting to the specific needs and growth stage of their clients.

Fund Administrator of the Year: Private Credit

The winning fund administrator will demonstrate a deep understanding of the complex operational requirements of private credit strategies, including loan administration, waterfall calculations, covenant monitoring, and LP reporting. Entrants should provide evidence of their private credit-specific capabilities and the quality of service delivered to credit fund manager clients.

Fund Administrator of the Year: Real Assets & Infrastructure

The winning fund administrator will demonstrate specialised expertise in the administration of real assets and infrastructure funds, including the unique reporting, valuation, and cash management requirements of these strategies. Entrants should provide evidence of their operational capabilities and the quality of service delivered to real assets and infrastructure fund manager clients.

Fund Administrator of the Year: Technology

The winning fund administrator will demonstrate how technology investment and innovation have improved the quality, efficiency, and scalability of their administration services. Entrants should highlight the technology platforms deployed, integrations built, and automation initiatives implemented during the period under review, and provide evidence of the measurable impact on client outcomes.

Fund Administrator of the Year: Overall

The winning overall fund administrator will demonstrate excellence across all dimensions of fund administration, including accuracy, timeliness, regulatory compliance, technology infrastructure, and client service. Entrants should provide evidence of exceptional performance across the period under review and highlight what differentiates their service from peers in the market.

Transfer Agency Service of the Year

The winning transfer agency service provider will demonstrate accuracy, operational reliability, and strong regulatory compliance in the management of fund investor registers and capital transactions. Entrants should provide evidence of service quality across the period under review, including the efficiency of subscription and redemption processing, investor reporting, and the technology infrastructure underpinning their service.

Fund Raising & Fund Formation

Capital Introductions Service of the Year

The winning capital introductions service will have played a demonstrable role in connecting fund managers with high-quality institutional investors during the period under review. Entrants should provide evidence of successful introductions, the quality and diversity of the investor network accessed, and the measurable fundraising outcomes achieved for clients.

Fund Structuring Adviser of the Year

The winning fund structuring adviser will demonstrate deep expertise in designing optimal fund structures for US-based private equity managers, taking into account regulatory requirements, tax efficiency, and LP preferences. Entrants should provide evidence of fund formation mandates completed during the period under review and the strategic and commercial value their advice delivered to clients.

Legal

Law Firm of the Year: Client Services

The winning law firm in this category will have delivered an outstanding client experience throughout the period under review, combining legal expertise with responsiveness, commercial pragmatism, and proactive communication. Entrants should provide examples of client service initiatives and evidence of the impact their approach had on client outcomes and satisfaction.

Law Firm of the Year: Emerging Manager

The winning law firm will demonstrate a specialist capability in supporting first and second-time private equity fund managers through the fund formation process and early operational challenges. Entrants should provide evidence of emerging manager mandates completed during the period under review and the practical, cost-effective support provided to help clients establish institutional-quality fund structures.

Law Firm of the Year: Fund Domicile

The winning law firm will demonstrate exceptional expertise in advising private equity fund managers on fund domicile strategy, structure, and regulatory compliance across relevant jurisdictions. Entrants should provide evidence of fund domicile mandates completed during the period under review and the strategic value their advice delivered in helping clients optimise their fund structures for investors and regulators.

Law Firm of the Year: Private Credit and Securities

The winning law firm will demonstrate a market-leading capability in advising private credit managers and investors on lending documentation, securities regulation, restructuring, and enforcement. Entrants should provide evidence of complex private credit and securities mandates completed during the period under review and the commercial outcomes achieved for clients.

Law Firm of the Year: Transactions

The winning transactions law firm will demonstrate an exceptional track record of advising on private equity acquisitions, exits, and portfolio company transactions during the period under review. Entrants should highlight deal complexity, innovation in transaction structuring, and the measurable value their legal expertise delivered to clients across the transaction lifecycle.

Law Firm of the Year: Overall

The winning overall law firm will demonstrate breadth and depth of expertise across the full spectrum of private equity legal work, including fund formation, transactions, regulatory compliance, and portfolio company matters. Entrants should provide evidence of exceptional legal work completed during the period under review and what differentiates their firm's service and expertise from peers.

Managed Services & Operations

Forex Solution Provider of the Year

The winning forex solution provider will demonstrate expertise in managing the foreign exchange challenges faced by private equity fund managers operating across multiple currencies. Entrants should provide evidence of the quality of their execution, hedging capabilities, technology platform, and the measurable cost savings or risk mitigation delivered to clients.

Managed Service Provider of the Year

The winning managed service provider will demonstrate a comprehensive, reliable, and scalable service offering that enables private equity fund managers to outsource critical operational functions with confidence. Entrants should provide evidence of service quality, operational efficiency improvements delivered, and the tangible impact their support has had on clients' ability to focus on investment activities.

Operational Due Diligence (ODD) Solution of the Year

The winning ODD solution will demonstrate a rigorous, efficient, and technology-enabled approach to assessing the operational quality and risk profile of fund managers and their service providers. Entrants should provide evidence of the depth of their assessment framework, the quality of the insights produced, and the value their ODD service delivers to LP investors and allocators.

Newcomers

Newcomer of the Year: Advisory

This award recognises an advisory firm that has entered the private equity service provider market during the period under review and made an immediate and notable impact. Entrants should demonstrate the quality of their advisory offering, the clients served, and the evidence of early commercial success and differentiation from established competitors.

Newcomer of the Year: Deal Services

This award recognises a deal services provider that has entered the private equity market during the period under review and established itself as a credible and innovative partner for fund managers. Entrants should demonstrate the quality of the services offered, early client traction, and the specific ways in which their offering challenges or improves on existing market alternatives.

Newcomer of the Year: Fund Administrator

This award recognises a fund administration firm that has entered the market during the period under review and demonstrated the operational quality, technology infrastructure, and client focus required to compete with established providers. Entrants should provide evidence of early client mandates won, service quality delivered, and the differentiated proposition their firm offers to fund managers.

Newcomer of the Year: Technology Provider

This award recognises a technology provider that has launched into the private equity market during the period under review and demonstrated clear innovation and commercial traction. Entrants should provide evidence of the technology's capabilities, the problem it solves for fund managers, early adoption and client feedback, and the ways in which it differs meaningfully from existing solutions.

Technology & Infrastructure

AI & Data Analytics Solution of the Year: Deal Sourcing

The winning solution will demonstrate how artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics are transforming the deal sourcing process for private equity managers. Entrants should provide evidence of how their platform increases deal flow quality, reduces sourcing time, and delivers proprietary market intelligence that gives fund managers a competitive edge.

Cloud Services Provider of the Year

The winning CSP should understand the needs and challenges of fund managers. Entrants should consider outlining their infrastructure's security and reliability. What features and services do you provide that set you apart from your competitors?

Cyber Security Solution of the Year

With cyberattacks becoming ever more sophisticated, the winning service provider in this category will be exceptional in risk detection and management. This firm will have a variety of market leading approaches to safeguard their clients from data breaches.

Document Management & Automation Solution of the Year

The winning document management and automation solution will demonstrate a meaningful reduction in the administrative complexity faced by private equity fund managers. Entrants should provide evidence of how their solution streamlines document workflows, reduces manual processing, improves version control and audit trails, and integrates effectively with existing fund management infrastructure.

LP Portal & Investor Reporting Technology of the Year

The winning LP portal and investor reporting technology provider will demonstrate a platform that meaningfully improves the quality, timeliness, and transparency of information available to LP investors. Entrants should provide evidence of the technology's capabilities, the user experience delivered to both GPs and LPs, and the impact on investor satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting Solution of the Year

The winning portfolio monitoring and reporting solution will demonstrate a platform that gives private equity managers real-time visibility into the performance of their portfolio companies and enables high-quality, efficient reporting to LP investors. Entrants should provide evidence of the solution's capabilities, the quality of the data and analytics provided, and the measurable improvement in reporting efficiency and accuracy.

Regulatory & Compliance Technology of the Year

This winning technology solution simplifies regulatory compliance, providing efficient, reliable tools to meet evolving requirements.

Risk Management Software Provider of the Year

The winning risk management software provider will demonstrate a platform that gives private equity fund managers comprehensive visibility into portfolio risk across market, liquidity, credit, and operational dimensions. Entrants should provide evidence of the solution's analytical capabilities, ease of integration with existing fund management systems, and the measurable improvements in risk oversight delivered to clients.

Technology Innovation of the Year: AI

The winning entrant will demonstrate how artificial intelligence is being applied in a genuinely innovative way to improve the investment process, operational efficiency, or client experience for private equity fund managers. Entrants should provide evidence of the AI application deployed, the problem it addresses, the measurable outcomes achieved, and how it represents a meaningful advance on existing approaches.

Technology Innovation of the Year: ESG & Impact Investing

The winning entrant will demonstrate a genuinely innovative technology application that has improved the way private equity fund managers approach ESG integration or impact investing. Entrants should provide evidence of the technology deployed, the ESG or impact challenge it addresses, and the measurable outcomes achieved for clients during the period under review.

Technology Innovation of the Year: Firm Operations

The winning entrant will demonstrate how technology innovation has delivered a meaningful improvement in the operational efficiency, accuracy, or scalability of a private equity firm's internal processes. Entrants should provide evidence of the operational challenge addressed, the technology solution deployed, and the measurable improvement in firm performance or capacity achieved.

Technology Innovation of the Year: Origination

The winning entrant will demonstrate how technology innovation has materially improved the deal origination process for private equity fund managers. Entrants should provide evidence of the technology deployed, the origination challenge it addresses, the improvement in deal flow quality or volume achieved, and how the innovation differentiates clients from peers in the market.

Technology Innovation of the Year: Overall

The winning entrant will demonstrate the most impactful and forward-looking technology innovation delivered to the private equity market during the period under review. Entrants should provide evidence of the technology's capabilities, the problem it solves, the outcomes achieved for clients, and the ways in which it represents a genuine and lasting advance in how the industry operates.

Value Creation

Portfolio AI Solutions Provider of the Year

The winning portfolio AI solutions provider will demonstrate how artificial intelligence is being applied to create measurable value at the portfolio company level for private equity managers. Entrants should provide evidence of AI solutions deployed across portfolio companies, the operational or commercial improvements achieved, and the scalability of the approach across different sectors and business types.

Portfolio Company CFO Services Provider of the Year

The winning provider will demonstrate exceptional capabilities in delivering financial leadership and CFO support to private equity-backed portfolio companies. Entrants should provide evidence of the quality of finance function improvements made, the expertise of the professionals deployed, and the tangible impact on portfolio company financial performance and readiness for value creation milestones.

Portfolio Digital Transformation Partner of the Year

The winning digital transformation partner will demonstrate a proven ability to drive meaningful technology-led change at private equity-backed portfolio companies. Entrants should provide evidence of digital transformation programmes completed during the period under review, the operational or commercial outcomes achieved, and the approach taken to managing change across different business types and sectors.

Portfolio ESG & Impact Value Creation Adviser of the Year

The winning adviser will demonstrate an exceptional ability to integrate ESG and impact considerations into the value creation process at private equity-backed portfolio companies. Entrants should provide evidence of specific ESG value creation programmes implemented during the period under review, the measurable outcomes achieved, and how their approach has strengthened clients' ability to demonstrate impact to investors.

Portfolio Talent & Human Capital Solutions Provider of the Year

The winning provider will demonstrate exceptional capabilities in sourcing, developing, and retaining leadership talent at private equity-backed portfolio companies. Entrants should provide evidence of human capital programmes delivered during the period under review, the quality of the talent solutions provided, and the measurable impact on portfolio company performance and management capability.

Value Creation Consulting Firm of the Year

The winning value creation consulting firm will demonstrate an exceptional ability to drive operational, commercial, and strategic improvements at private equity-backed portfolio companies. Entrants should provide evidence of value creation programmes delivered during the period under review, the specific levers deployed, and the measurable improvements in revenue, margin, or enterprise value achieved across client engagements.

Please provide a brief overview of your business (up to 100 words) and a compelling case in 250 words or fewer on why your service deserves an award.

You may also include a client testimonial to support your entry—this is optional but encouraged.

Additionally, there’s an option to upload any supporting documents that might strengthen your submission.

Our in-house judging panel will select the finalists who will then go to public vote. The overall winner will be determined based on popularity and quality of submission.

These awards are free to enter and entries close Friday 17th July 2026

The manager award categories include US based single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Entries for all categories are based on the latest reported numbers during the last 12-month period from 1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026.

Entrants will be asked to provide (including but not limited to):

•Vintage year of fund

•Fund/firm AUM

•Net IRR•Called (%)

•Latest factsheet/investor report

Entrants can submit into multiple fund and manager categories, but we will only accept each fund into a maximum of three categories.

All entry information will be treated as confidential and will only be shared with the Private Equity Wire® expert ecosystem.

The shortlist and winners will be selected from the body of submissions verified against industry data sources.

Entry deadline: Friday 17th July 2026

Capital Raise - Emerging

Entrants will be asked to provide fund data on capital raised in the 12-month period under review (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026)
Entrants will also be asked to provide a maximum 250-word impact statement on why their fund should win the award
Entrants must have closed a new fund raise in the last calendar year (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026)
The fund in question should be among the entrant’s first three funds launched
Categories include single-manager and multi-manager funds
Entrants can submit into multiple fund and manager categories, but we will only accept each fund into a maximum of three categories
To qualify for the awards, the fund manager must be based in the US.

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Buyout

Recognises the US-based emerging private equity manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a buyout fund during the review period, reflecting efficiency of fundraising execution, LP conviction, and the strength of the strategy underpinning the close.

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Growth Equity

Recognises the US-based emerging private equity manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a growth equity fund during the review period, reflecting the efficiency of fundraising execution, strength of the growth investing thesis and the quality of LP support secured.

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Private Credit

Recognises the US-based emerging private credit manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a private credit fund during the review period, reflecting LP demand for the strategy, the manager's origination platform and capital preservation across prior vehicles.

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Real Assets & Infrastructure

Recognises the US-based emerging private equity manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a real assets and/or infrastructure fund during the review period, reflecting the strength of the asset management platform, the clarity of the investment strategy, and the depth of institutional LP support.

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Secondaries

Recognises the US-based emerging secondaries manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a secondaries fund during the review period, reflecting the growing sophistication of the secondary market, the manager's deal sourcing and execution capabilities, and the quality of LP support secured.

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Venture Capital

Recognises the US-based emerging venture capital manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a venture capital fund during the review period, reflecting the strength of the investment thesis, the manager's sourcing edge, and the quality of LP conviction secured at a time of significant recalibration in the venture market.

Capital Raise

Entrants will be asked to provide fund data on capital raised in the 12-month period under review (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026)
Entrants will also be asked to provide a maximum 250-word impact statement on why their fund should win the award
Entrants must have closed a new fund raise in the last calendar year (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026)
Entrants must have closed at least three funds in the past
Categories include single-manager and multi-manager funds
Entrants can submit into multiple fund and manager categories, but we will only accept each fund into a maximum of three categories.
To qualify for the awards, the fund manager must be based in the US

Capital Raise of the Year: Buyout

Recognises the US-based private equity manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a buyout fund during the review period, reflecting efficiency of fundraising execution, LP conviction, and the strength of the strategy underpinning the close.

Capital Raise of the Year: Growth Equity

Recognises the US-based private equity manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a growth equity fund during the review period, reflecting the efficiency of fundraising execution, strength of the growth investing thesis and the quality of LP support secured.

Capital Raise of the Year: Private Credit

Recognises the US-based private credit manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a private credit fund during the review period, reflecting LP demand for the strategy, the manager's origination platform and capital preservation across prior vehicles.

Capital Raise of the Year: Real Assets & Infrastructure

Recognises the US-based private equity manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a real assets and/or infrastructure fund during the review period, reflecting the strength of the asset management platform, the clarity of the investment strategy, and the depth of institutional LP support.

Capital Raise of the Year: Secondaries

Recognises the US-based secondaries manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a secondaries fund during the review period, reflecting the growing sophistication of the secondary market, the manager's deal sourcing and execution capabilities, and the quality of LP support secured.

Capital Raise of the Year: Venture Capital

Recognises the US-based venture capital manager that has demonstrated outstanding fundraising for a venture capital fund during the review period, reflecting the strength of the investment thesis, the manager's sourcing edge, and the quality of LP conviction secured at a time of significant recalibration in the venture market.

Emerging Performance

Performance awards are based on a range of industry-standard performance indicators from the latest available data in the 12-month period under review (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026.)
The fund manager must have raised no more than 3 funds in the series/range
Funds must have called more than 50% of capital
Closed fund and either investing or harvesting capital
Entrants can submit into multiple fund and manager categories, but we will only accept each fund into a maximum of three categories
To qualify for the awards, the fund manager must be based in the US

Emerging Performance of the Year: Asset-based Financing

Recognises a US-based emerging manager – defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding performance from an asset-based financing strategy during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Buyout

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding buyout fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Co-invest

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three dedicated co-investment vehicles in the series — that has delivered outstanding co-investment fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Credit Secondaries

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding credit secondaries fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Direct Lending

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding direct lending fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Distressed Debt

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding distressed debt fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Fund of Funds

Recognises a US-based emerging fund of funds manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three vehicles in the series — that has delivered outstanding performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Growth Equity

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding growth equity fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Mezzanine Debt

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding mezzanine debt fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Real Estate

Recognises a US-based emerging private equity real estate manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding real estate equity fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Real Estate Debt

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding real estate debt fund performance during the review period, whether through senior mortgage lending, mezzanine real estate debt, preferred equity, or a blended real estate credit approach.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Secondaries

Recognises a US-based emerging secondaries manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three vehicles in the series — that has delivered outstanding performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Turnaround/Special Situations

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding performance from a turnaround or special situations strategy during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Venture Capital

Recognises a US-based emerging venture capital manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Venture Capital Debt

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding venture debt or venture lending fund performance during the review period.

Established Performance

Performance awards are based on a range of industry-standard performance indicators from the latest available data in the 12-month period under review (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026.)
Funds must have more than 3 investments
Funds must have called more than 50% of capital
Funds must be closed and either investing or harvesting capital
Categories include single-manager and multi-manager funds
Entrants can submit into multiple fund and manager categories, but we will only accept each fund into a maximum of three categories
To qualify for the awards, the fund manager must be based in the US

Performance of the Year: Asset-based Financing

Recognises a US-based private equity or alternative asset manager that has delivered outstanding performance from an asset-based financing strategy during the review period. Asset-based financing encompasses strategies that lend against or invest in discrete pools of financial or hard assets, including receivables, royalties, equipment, real estate loans, consumer and SME credit, and other collateralised instruments. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Performance of the Year: Buyout

Recognises a US-based private equity manager that has delivered outstanding buyout fund performance during the review period, demonstrating investment quality, operational value creation, and portfolio management discipline across a fund with more than three investments and more than 50% of capital called. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Performance of the Year: Co-invest

Recognises a US-based manager that has delivered outstanding co-investment fund performance during the review period, demonstrating rigorous deal selection, strong sponsor relationships, and returns that validate the co-investment model as a source of differentiated alpha. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Performance of the Year: Credit Secondaries

Recognises a US-based credit secondaries manager that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period, demonstrating underwriting discipline, portfolio construction, and consistent income delivery across a secondary credit portfolio. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds across LP-led secondaries, GP-led continuation vehicles, structured secondary transactions, and blended credit secondary strategies.

Performance of the Year: Direct Lending

Recognises a US-based direct lending manager that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period, demonstrating credit quality, origination discipline, and consistent income generation for LP investors. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Performance of the Year: Distressed Debt

Recognises a US-based distressed debt manager that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period, demonstrating the ability to identify, acquire, and resolve complex distressed credit situations across the capital structure. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Performance of the Year: Fund of Funds

Recognises a US-based fund of funds manager that has delivered outstanding performance during the review period, demonstrating superior GP selection, portfolio construction discipline, and net returns that justify the fund of funds structure for LP investors. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager fund of funds vehicles.

Performance of the Year: Growth Equity

Recognises a US-based private equity manager that has delivered outstanding growth equity fund performance during the review period, demonstrating a consistent ability to identify, back, and add value to high-growth companies at scale. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Performance of the Year: Infrastructure

Recognises a US-based infrastructure manager that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period, demonstrating the ability to acquire, operate, and create value from infrastructure assets providing essential services, long-term contracted cash flows, or critical connectivity. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds across core, core-plus, value-add, and opportunistic infrastructure strategies.

Performance of the Year: Mezzanine Debt

Recognises a US-based mezzanine debt manager that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period, demonstrating the ability to generate risk-adjusted returns from subordinated debt positions combined with equity participation. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Performance of the Year: Real Estate

Recognises a US-based private equity real estate manager that has delivered outstanding equity fund performance during the review period, demonstrating asset management expertise, value creation discipline, and strong risk-adjusted returns across a real estate portfolio with more than three investments. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Performance of the Year: Real Estate Debt

Recognises a US-based real estate debt manager that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period, demonstrating underwriting discipline, asset quality, and consistent income delivery across a real estate credit portfolio. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds across senior mortgage, mezzanine real estate debt, preferred equity, and blended real estate credit strategies.

Performance of the Year: Secondaries

Recognises a US-based secondaries manager that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period, demonstrating pricing accuracy, deal sourcing quality, and the ability to generate differentiated returns from secondary market transactions. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds across LP-led, GP-led, and blended secondaries strategies.

Performance of the Year: Turnaround/Special Situations

Recognises a US-based private equity manager that has delivered outstanding performance from a turnaround or special situations strategy during the review period, demonstrating the operational, financial, and stakeholder management capabilities required to create value from complex or distressed businesses. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds.

Performance of the Year: Venture Capital

Recognises a US-based venture capital manager that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period, demonstrating a consistent ability to identify, back, and develop high-potential companies from early stage through to meaningful value inflection. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds across seed, early-stage, and multi-stage venture strategies.

Performance of the Year: Venture Capital Debt

Recognises a US-based venture debt manager that has delivered outstanding fund performance during the review period, demonstrating underwriting discipline, portfolio company selection, and consistent income delivery across a venture lending portfolio. This category is open to single-manager and multi-manager funds across senior secured venture loans, growth-stage debt facilities, warrant-linked lending, and blended venture credit strategies.

Investment and Operational Excellence

Deal of the Year: Acquisition

This award recognises the most compelling private equity acquisition completed by a US-based fund manager during the review period. Entrants will be judged on global sector and regional alignment, strategic rationale, deal complexity, execution quality, and the value creation plan put in place at close. Transaction close date must fall within the period under review, 1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026.

Deal of the Year: Exit

This award recognises the most outstanding exit completed during the review period, judged on returns delivered, exit execution, value creation achieved during the hold period, and outcome for all stakeholders.

Firm of the Year: Emerging Manager

This category will reward the US-based private equity firm that has demonstrated a combination of strategic differentiation, investment discipline, portfolio performance, and organisational development during the perioud under review. To qualify as an emerging manager, firms should have been established within the last seven years and be raising or investing from their first or second fund.

Firm of the Year: Established Manager

This category will reward the US-based private equity firm with a demonstrable multi-fund track record that has delivered outstanding investment performance, portfolio stewardship, and LP service during the review period.

Impact Story of the Year

This category recognises the US-based private equity firm that has delivered a compelling, measurable positive impact – environmental or social – within a portfolio company or across the portfolio during the review period. This award is open only to impact funds.

Innovative Firm of the Year

This category recognises the US-based private equity firm that has demonstrated genuine strategic innovation during the review period – whether in fund structuring, capital solutions, deal structuring, sector focus, use of technology, portfolio company operations, or LP engagement. The award rewards original thinking that has produced measurable results.

Value Creation Story of the Year

This category will reward the US-based private equity firm that has demonstrated exceptional operational value creation within a portfolio company during the review period. The award is judged on the quality of value creation levers identified and applied, as well as their cohesive execution over the hold period ending in a successful exit.

Capital Raise - Emerging

• Entrants will be asked to provide fund data on capital raised in the 12-month period under review (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026)
• Entrants will also be asked to provide a maximum 250-word impact statement on why their fund should win the award
• Entrants must have closed a new fund raise in the last calendar year (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026)
• The fund in question should be among the entrant’s first three funds launched
• Categories include single-manager and multi-manager funds
• Entrants can submit into multiple fund and manager categories, but we will only accept each fund into a maximum of three categories
• To qualify for the awards, the fund manager must be based in the US

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Buyout

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Growth Equity

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Private Credit

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Real Assets & Infrastructure

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Secondaries

Emerging Capital Raise of the Year: Venture Capital

Capital Raise

• Entrants will be asked to provide fund data on capital raised in the 12-month period under review (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026)
• Entrants will also be asked to provide a maximum 250-word impact statement on why their fund should win the award
• Entrants must have closed a new fund raise in the last calendar year (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026)
• Entrants must have closed at least three funds in the past
• Categories include single-manager and multi-manager funds
• Entrants can submit into multiple fund and manager categories, but we will only accept each fund into a maximum of three categories.
• To qualify for the awards, the fund manager must be based in the US

Capital Raise of the Year: Buyout

Capital Raise of the Year: Growth Equity

Capital Raise of the Year: Private Credit

Capital Raise of the Year: Real Assets & Infrastructure

Capital Raise of the Year: Secondaries

Capital Raise of the Year: Venture Capital

Investment and Operational Excellence

Deal of the Year: Acquisition

Deal of the Year: Exit

Firm of the Year: Emerging Manager

Firm of the Year: Established Manager

Impact Story of the Year

Innovative Firm of the Year

Value Creation Story of the Year

Emerging Performance

• Performance awards are based on a range of industry-standard performance indicators from the latest available data in the 12-month period under review (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026.)
• The fund manager must have raised no more than 3 funds in the series/range
• Funds must have called more than 50% of capital
• Closed fund and either investing or harvesting capital
• Entrants can submit into multiple fund and manager categories, but we will only accept each fund into a maximum of three categories
• To qualify for the awards, the fund manager must be based in the US

Emerging Performance of the Year: Asset-based Financing

Emerging Performance of the Year: Buyout

Recognises a US-based emerging manager — defined as a firm having raised no more than three funds in the series — that has delivered outstanding buyout fund performance during the review period.

Emerging Performance of the Year: Co-invest

Emerging Performance of the Year: Credit Secondaries

Emerging Performance of the Year: Direct Lending

Emerging Performance of the Year: Distressed Debt

Emerging Performance of the Year: Fund of Funds

Emerging Performance of the Year: Growth Equity

Emerging Performance of the Year: Mezzanine Debt

Emerging Performance of the Year: Real Estate

Emerging Performance of the Year: Real Estate Debt

Emerging Performance of the Year: Secondaries

Emerging Performance of the Year: Turnaround/Special Situations

Emerging Performance of the Year: Venture Capital

Emerging Performance of the Year: Venture Capital Debt

Established Performance

• Performance awards are based on a range of industry-standard performance indicators from the latest available data in the 12-month period under review (1st April 2025 - 31st March 2026.)
• Funds must have more than 3 investments
• Funds must have called more than 50% of capital
• Funds must be closed and either investing or harvesting capital
• Categories include single-manager and multi-manager funds
• Entrants can submit into multiple fund and manager categories, but we will only accept each fund into a maximum of three categories
• To qualify for the awards, the fund manager must be based in the US

Performance of the Year: Asset-based Financing

Performance of the Year: Buyout

Performance of the Year: Co-invest

Performance of the Year: Credit Secondaries

Performance of the Year: Direct Lending

Performance of the Year: Distressed Debt

Performance of the Year: Fund of Funds

Performance of the Year: Growth Equity

Performance of the Year: Infrastructure

Performance of the Year: Mezzanine Debt

Performance of the Year: Real Estate

Performance of the Year: Real Estate Debt