Globally diversified platform targeting the SMID market with unique positioning
Our direct equity investment strategy leverages the benefits of the Hamilton Lane platform and market access, aiming to execute high-quality direct equity investments and construct portfolios positioned to deliver compelling returns for our investors. The strategy is primarily focused on making direct equity investments in companies with small- to mid-sized enterprise values. By diversifying our investments, we seek to minimize market risks associated with over-exposure to a single general partner, geography, industry or deal type or size. Our objective is to maximize the multiple of invested capital as well as the IRR for each of the direct equity investments.
- Leverage Hamilton Lane's extensive platform to drive unique and differentiated deal flow and access for our investors
- Provide access to direct equity/ co-investments at preferential fees and terms versus traditional buyout funds
- Focus on small- and mid-sized investments, with nearly 82% of investments co-underwritten or with proprietary access since 2014*
*Represents Proprietary, Advantaged, and Co-Underwritten invested deals in Hamilton Lane Co-Investment Fund III (EO III), Hamilton Lane Co-Investment Fund IV (EO IV) and Hamilton Lane Equity Opportunities Fund V (EO V) by deal count as of 6/30/2025.
Deal Spotlights
AIT Worldwide Logistics
Who they are
A global end-to-end logistics provider specializing in complex, high-value and hard-to-move freight across diverse industries.
Why it matters
The investment was driven by AIT’s large addressable market (>$250B), supported by strong tailwinds from globalization and e-commerce, and its differentiated value as a one-stop logistics provider.
The HL advantage
We invested alongside The Jordan Company, leveraging deep sector expertise and a strong existing relationship to secure a meaningful allocation. We were one of the largest co-investors in the deal due to the strong relationship established with the sponsor, including our Primaries team’s commitment to its flagship fund.
The bottom line
In May 2026, The Jordan Company closed on the sale of AIT to Greenbriar Equity Group. During our five-year hold period, AIT dramatically expanded its global footprint, acquired 14 businesses and increased its gross revenue by more than 300%. This co-investment demonstrates our Direct Equity strategy: partnering with high-quality sponsors to invest in market-leading, middle-market businesses with clear value creation opportunities and strong growth profiles.
MacLean Power Systems
Who they are
A leading manufacturer of componentry used in the maintenance and new construction of the North American electric grid.
Why it matters
The investment was underpinned by durable secular tailwinds from rising energy demand and grid modernization, MacLean’s strong competitive position and the mission-critical nature of its products and solutions.
The HL advantage
We served as a strategic co-underwrite partner to Centerbridge in the transaction, leveraging our long-standing relationship with the firm and received favorable allocation in the deal.
The bottom line
In November 2025, Blackstone agreed to acquire MacLean from Centerbridge and merge it with Power Grid Components. The transaction closed in March 2026, generating a 3.9x gross MOIC and 57% gross IRR, a significant uplift from the Q3 2025 mark of 2.5x MOIC and 43% IRR.
Past performance is not an indicator of future results.
ABC Legal
Who they are
A digital marketplace that connects attorneys with drivers (“process servers” or “servers”) to deliver legal documents (writs, complaints, subpoenas, and summons) in compliance with procedural regulations.
Why it matters
ABC Legal is a scaled market leader in a large, fragmented market, supported by a strong growth track record, durable revenue visibility and a highly differentiated tech stack. With meaningful upside from ongoing digital expansion and operational efficiency initiatives—and a sponsor with proven sector expertise—ABC Legal is well-positioned to deliver sustained, profitable growth.
The HL advantage
We received early access to the deal and an allocation more than three times larger than the next-largest co-investor’s, reflecting our longstanding relationship with the sponsor. Hamilton Lane has backed the sponsor's primary funds and been an LPAC member since 2012, and the direct equity team has made seven platform investments alongside the sponsor.
Our experienced Direct Equity team combines differentiated sourcing with extensive transactional experience to access what we believe are compelling opportunities in the small and middle market. With the support of robust technology and an established private markets platform, we aim to deliver attractive performance across market cycles.
Head of Direct Equity Investments
Leveraging our database of over 23,300 funds and 163,870 portfolio companies
Our data advantage is a key differentiator and allows the Direct Equity Investment Team to access an abundance of investment opportunities and information advantages throughout the investment lifecycle, from diligence to allocation to monitoring and reporting. We leverage our firm’s capabilities and in-depth knowledge of the private markets, as well as our significant technological reporting and analytical capabilities, to better understand the value drivers within a given investment and ultimately strive to generate compelling returns for our investors.