Report highlights role of private equity firms in financing infrastructure

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A recent report highlights private equity firms’ role in financing, managing, and accelerating the completion of critical infrastructure projects.

Private equity firms manage nearly $45 billion of capital earmarked for infrastructure investments. A decade ago, this was less than $15 billion. The firms also have infused almost $180 billion into infrastructure projects nationwide over the past 10 years.

“Private equity is financing new infrastructure projects across America – from building major airports, repairing bridges to bringing broadband access to underserved rural communities,” American Investment Council president and CEO Drew Maloney said. “Private equity has been a natural fit for public-private partnerships on infrastructure projects, as our firms are able to provide capital to reduce the burden on taxpayers, regulatory know-how, and precise planning and expertise.”

Findings in the report include:

Over the past decade, private equity firms have invested more than $220 billion in nearly 1,500 U.S. transportation companies.

Over the past decade, firms invested approximately $150 billion into more than 1,100 clean tech companies and projects. In 2021, investments reached a record $28 billion.

Firms have made deliberate efforts to expand broadband internet access to underserved rural communities.

The report was released by the American Investment Council, the National Association of Investment Companies, and PitchBook.