Mergers & Acquisitions has recognized 11 firms in its 2026 Best Places to Work in Private Equity. Now in its fourth year, the award’s honorees distinguished themselves in an increasingly dynamic work environment through workplace practices ranging from AI adoption to employee well-being.
Perhaps no theme defined this year’s class more than artificial intelligence. Nearly two-thirds implemented AI initiatives. Several firms formed dedicated committees or task forces to evaluate AI tools, set responsible use guidelines and oversee rollout across the organization. Others struck direct partnerships with AI companies to build custom training programs.
On the investment side, AI is increasingly used for research and investment committee presentations. Several of this year’s honorees also applied AI tools to their portfolio companies to help with routine, time consuming work.
GenNx360 Capital Partners is using AI to enhance sector research and synthesize information for investment committee ready presentations. Across the firm’s portfolio companies, AI is leveraged for a variety of tasks including benchmarking, procurement and vendor spend analysis and contract review.
As part of a first-of-its-kind partnership with OpenAI, BayPine rolled out AI training for employees to learn how to deploy enterprise AI tools. The firm also hosted training sessions to accelerate AI adoption across its portfolio.
Ridgemont Equity Partners created a director of AI innovation role to lead an effort to get the entire firm comfortable with AI. The firm has built a self-paced learning library and provides weekly hands-on AI training sessions.
TA Associates formed an internal AI committee to identify, evaluate and roll out a variety of AI tools across its global offices. The effort includes robust training and education programs.
Beyond AI, all of the firms included in the Fourth Annual Best Places to Work in PE continue to invest in career mobility and mentorship.
American Securities emphasizes hands-on experience and mentoring. The firm pairs every new associate and vice president on the investment team and in the resources group with a partner “buddy.”
Work-life balance and well-being remained priorities as well. Charlesbank Capital Partners’ remote Fridays and remote August are now in their fifth year. The firm also implements email moratoriums during holidays. Motive Partners also allows employees to work remotely in August.
Perks extended beyond flexible working arrangements and routine benefits. The Riverside Company provides mental health resources through Spring Health and ComPsych and caregiving support via Wellthy.
Click here to read the profiles of MiddleGround Capital and Monomoy Capital Partners.
Nine additional firms received honorable mentions and are listed below the winners chart.
