General Atlantic

Overview

General Atlantic is an American growth equity firm that provides capital and strategic support for global growth companies. Founded in 1980 by Charles F. Feeney, General Atlantic is headquartered in New York City. As of 2024, the firm manages approximately $97 billion in assets and focuses its investments across sectors such as technology, consumer, financial services, healthcare, and life sciences. General Atlantic has a notable presence globally, with offices in major cities including New York, London, Beijing, and Singapore.

Recent Developments

  • October 2024: General Atlantic completed its acquisition of Actis, a global investor in sustainable infrastructure. This acquisition expanded General Atlantic’s asset management to approximately $97 billion and enhanced its diversified investment platform across growth equity, credit, climate, and sustainable infrastructure strategies.
  • October 2024: The firm was named to Inc.’s 2024 Founder-Friendly Investors list, underscoring its commitment to supporting founder-led companies. General Atlantic has partnered with over 520 portfolio companies worldwide, enhancing its reputation as a founder-friendly firm.
  • September 2024: General Atlantic announced plans to open an office in Abu Dhabi by year-end, marking its expansion into the Middle East market. The firm received preliminary approval for licensing in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, with final approval expected by the end of 2024.
  • April 2024: General Atlantic announced a strategic partnership with HighLevel Inc., a company specializing in sales and marketing automation software. This partnership aims to support HighLevel’s growth and innovation in serving marketing agencies and small businesses.
  • February 2024: General Atlantic invested in a $70 million funding round for Jüsto, an online grocery company in Latin America, enhancing its stake in the region's burgeoning online retail market.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date1980
HeadquartersNew York, New York, USA
FoundersCharles F. Feeney
RevenueNot publicly disclosed
ProfitsNot publicly disclosed
Key InvestorsVarious global institutional investors
IndustryGrowth Equity
Number of EmployeesOver 900

Early History

General Atlantic was founded in 1980 by Charles F. Feeney, the co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers. The firm initially served as an investment arm for Atlantic Philanthropies, which Feeney established. With a focus on growth equity, General Atlantic pioneered investments in high-growth companies, supporting visionary entrepreneurs in an array of sectors. From its inception, the firm adopted a thematic investment approach, identifying promising sectors for growth and partnering with management to accelerate business expansion. The firm's early years were marked by strategic international expansions, opening offices in Europe and Asia, and setting a foundation for its global growth strategy.

Company Profile and Achievements

General Atlantic operates as a global growth equity investor specializing in providing capital, strategic support, and operational expertise to high-growth companies across diverse sectors. Over its 40+ year history, it has invested in numerous industries, including technology, consumer, financial services, healthcare, and life sciences. The firm focuses on companies with proven business models and strong growth potential, adopting a long-term investment perspective.

  • Growth Equity Pioneering: As one of the earliest firms to focus on growth equity, General Atlantic has developed a thorough methodology in identifying sectors and companies with significant potential.
  • Global Reach: General Atlantic has expanded its global footprint with offices across five continents, facilitating investments worldwide.
  • Key Investments: The firm has made significant investments in leading tech and innovative companies, such as Facebook, Airbnb, and Alibaba.
  • Commitment to Diversity: General Atlantic has emphasized diversity and inclusion within its management and portfolio companies, striving to support diverse teams which drive better outcomes.
  • Strategic Partnerships: The firm has strategically partnered with other companies, as seen in its collaboration with HighLevel and its acquisition of Actis.

Current Operations and Market Position

As of 2024, General Atlantic manages around $97 billion in assets and maintains a strong influence across its focus sectors. It is lauded for its competitive advantage in strategic global investments and partnership models with high-growth potential firms. The company diversifies its investments across growth equity, climate, credit, and sustainable infrastructure sectors, enabling it to adapt to market changes and capture emerging opportunities. With its extensive global presence, General Atlantic continues to seek transformative opportunities that align with its strategic mission of fostering growth through sustainable and impactful investments.

Conclusion

General Atlantic holds a crucial position in the global growth equity market, renowned for its strategic foresight and partnership-driven investment philosophy. Over the decades, it has solidified its role as a catalyst for growth and innovation in numerous industries. With its recent acquisitions and expansions, General Atlantic is poised for continued influence and leadership, particularly in sustainable infrastructure and emerging markets. The firm's commitment to diversity, long-term growth strategies, and market leadership positions it to shape future trends and opportunities, continuing its legacy of supporting transformative businesses worldwide.

References

  1. General Atlantic - Wikipedia
  2. General Atlantic completes Actis acquisition
  3. General Atlantic Incorporated in Abu Dhabi
  4. General Atlantic and HighLevel Strategic Partnership
  5. General Atlantic invests in Jüsto's growth
  6. Inc.’s 2024 Founder-Friendly Investors