The TOP 50 PE Firms in the Middle Market is the original awards program designed specifically to acknowledge and promote leading private equity firms in the middle market. Winning firms have great teams, significant deal flow, persistent fundraising, and exceptional track records. Since its inception in 2016, the Top PE Firms in the Middle Market awards program has earned its reputation as a trusted and unbiased resource and is widely recognized by PE professionals, founders and business owners, investment banks, and limited partners as a noteworthy distinction.

The Top 50 PE Firms in the Middle Market award is open to any U.S.-based private equity firm that meets the award criteria. Nominations for the 2027 Top 50 PE Firms in the Middle Market award program begins Fall 2026.

Awards Criteria:

Management Team Experience
Transaction Volume
Fund Size: $375M – $1.5B
Track Record
Market Focus
Continuous and/or Rapid Growth
Thought Leadership
Executive/Advisor Network
ESG Initiatives
Value Creation Initiatives
Founder/Executive Endorsements
Community Engagement

The Top 50 PE Firms for Executives in the Middle Market award program recognizes leading private equity firms who create strategies that best enable their executives to succeed. Winning firms are known for their strong track record, a history of successful investments and high returns, large deal sizes and significant transaction volume, complex transactions, a focus on governance and collaboration, and high compensation rates and bonus structures.

The Top 50 PE Firms for Executives in the Middle Market award is open to any U.S.- based private equity firm that meets the award criteria. Nominations for the 2027 Top 50 PE Firms for Executives in the Middle Market award program begins Fall 2026.

The TOP 50 PE Firms for Founders in the Middle Market awards program acknowledges highly reputable private equity firms in the middle market that focus on partnering with family and founders-owned businesses. Winning firms emphasize partnership, providing resources and strategic and operational support, including help with go-to-market strategy, merger and acquisition strategy, and human capital development to help founders scale their businesses while retaining their vision.

The Top 50 PE Firms for Founders in the Middle Market award is open to any U.S.- based private equity firm that meets the award criteria. Nominations for the 2027 Top 50 PE Firms for Founders in the Middle Market award program begins Fall 2026.