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.”
Halifax Group lets junior professionals invest personal capital alongside the firm in every transaction.
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.
Take a closer look at the firms earning a spot on 2026’s Best Places to Work in PE in the Q&As linked below. Nine additional firms received honorable mentions and are listed below the winners chart.
American Securities believes the most effective development comes through hands-on experience, mentorship and apprenticeship.
BayPine conducts interactive behaviors of inclusion training to learn about the psychology of bias.
Charlesbank provides 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, flexible paternity leave and has a partnership with Carrot for fertility support.
GenNx360 Capital Partners views PE as an apprenticeship business, recognizing that hands-on learning provides the strongest foundation for professional growth and long-term success.
Halifax gives junior professionals the opportunity to source investments, develop investment theses and co-lead add-on acquisitions.
MiddleGround Capital embeds sustainability, DEI, safety, employee engagement and governance into how the firm operates and partners with its portfolio companies.
Monomoy Capital Partners’ flexible work model allows employees to work from its New York or Greenwich, Conn. offices or remotely as needed.
Motive Partners takes a broad approach to sourcing talent and actively recruits from a range of backgrounds, including PE, financial services, technology, operations, consulting and entrepreneurship.
Ridgemont has a strong track record of promoting high-performing associates into lasting career roles.
TA Associates supports organizations advancing inclusion and opportunity in PE, including 10,000 Interns and Level 20.
Riverside increased cross-team and cross-border collaboration to an all-time high through refreshed leadership of its Riverside operating council.
