Wasserstein & Co. logo

Wasserstein & Co.

North America, New York, United States, New York

Description

Wasserstein & Co. is a well-established independent investment firm based in New York City, specializing in mid-market private equity and credit investments. Since its inception in 1994, the firm has cultivated a reputation for its disciplined approach to value creation across its portfolio companies. Wasserstein & Co. primarily focuses on strategic investments within the consumer products, industrial, and media and communications sectors, seeking to acquire controlling stakes in businesses with strong fundamentals and growth potential. Their investment philosophy emphasizes operational improvements, strategic growth initiatives, and active partnership with management teams to drive long-term value.

The firm manages capital on behalf of a diverse base of institutional investors, including pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, and family offices. Over its history, Wasserstein & Co. has managed over $3 billion of capital across its private equity funds and credit vehicles, demonstrating significant financial capacity. Their recent private equity funds, such as Wasserstein Partners IV and V, have each raised approximately $500 million, providing substantial dry powder for new investments. These funds typically target companies with enterprise values ranging from $100 million to $1 billion, with the firm's equity checks reflecting a significant ownership position.

Wasserstein & Co. has a track record of successfully executing buyouts and recapitalizations, with a focus on enhancing the strategic value of its portfolio companies. The firm has invested in 27 companies since its founding, showcasing a selective yet consistent investment pace. Their New York base serves as a hub for their investment activities, primarily within the United States. The firm's long-term perspective and deep sector expertise allow them to navigate complex transactions and support their portfolio companies through various economic cycles, aiming for robust returns for their limited partners.

Investor Profile

Wasserstein & Co. has backed more than 25 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 5 rounds, about 20% of its total and boasts 17 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Private Equity, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Manufacturing, Semiconductor, Telecommunications.
  • Typical check size: $50M – $150M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (32%)
  • Private Equity (28%)
  • Series A (16%)
  • Series B (12%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (8%)
  • Series E (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (88%)
  • Switzerland (4%)
  • United Kingdom (4%)
  • Canada (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Manufacturing
  • Semiconductor
  • Telecommunications
  • Electronics
  • Software
  • Optical Communication
  • Food And Beverage
  • Enterprise Software
  • Hardware
  • Information Technology
circle-line
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Wasserstein & Co. frequently co-invest with?

Needham Capital Partners
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
A.G. Edwards Capital Partners
North America, Missouri, United States, St Louis
Co-Investments: 2
BP
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 2
Elron Ventures
Asia, Tel Aviv, Israel, Tel Aviv
Co-Investments: 3
Crosslink Capital
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 2
Newlight Management
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 5
Parker Price Venture Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Tredegar Investments
North America, Virginia, United States, Richmond
Co-Investments: 2
VantagePoint Capital Partners
North America, California, United States, San Bruno
Co-Investments: 3
ARCH Venture Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 2

What are some of recent deals done by Wasserstein & Co.?

PureCycle Technologies

Jacksonville, Florida, United States

PureCycle Technologies offers the only recycled polypropylene with properties equal to virgin polymer.

Chemical EngineeringRecyclingWaste Management
Post Ipo EquityJun 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $300,000,000
Lionrock Recovery

Petaluma, California, United States

Lionrock Recovery is the leading brand in online recovery programs and support groups.

Addiction TreatmentHealth CareTelecommunications
Series UnknownApr 7, 2020
Amount Raised: $7,000,000
American Seafoods Group

Seattle, Washington, United States

American Seafood Co is a packaging and containers company based out of 1801 W Garfield St, Seattle, Washington, United States.

Food and BeverageManufacturing
Series UnknownAug 1, 2008
ChipX

Santa Clara, California, United States

ChipX is a mixed-signal ASIC company that designs and manufactures application-specific integrated circuit solutions.

ElectronicsManufacturingSemiconductor
Series BJul 22, 2008
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
Encompass Digital Media

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Encompass is a tech services firm serving Tier 1 media clients in broadcast and digital services. 8 facilities across 4 continents.

BroadcastingCommunications InfrastructureDigital MediaNewsVideo Streaming
Private EquityApr 1, 2008
American Seafoods Group

Seattle, Washington, United States

American Seafood Co is a packaging and containers company based out of 1801 W Garfield St, Seattle, Washington, United States.

Food and BeverageManufacturing
Series UnknownOct 1, 2005
So Delicious Dairy Free

Springfield, Oregon, United States

So Delicious® Dairy Free has been bringing joy to dairy-free lives for more than twenty-five years

Food and BeverageFood ProcessingHealth CareLifestyle
Private EquityJul 1, 2005
Meyer Material Co.

Mchenry, Illinois, United States

Meyer Material Co. manufactures and supplies ready mixed concrete and construction aggregates in the Chicago-Milwaukee metro area.

Building MaterialConstructionManufacturingReal Estate
Private EquityMar 1, 2005
pSemi

San Diego, California, United States

A Murata company driving semiconductor integration

Electrical DistributionManufacturingSemiconductor
Series UnknownNov 2, 2004
Amount Raised: $17,600,000
Mastercraft

Lawrence, Kansas, United States

MasterCraft company is to deliver the ultimate on-water experience by designing and building the world's highest quality, best sports boats.

CommercialConstructioneSportsLifestyleManufacturingProduct DesignResidentialSporting GoodsSports
Private EquityNov 1, 2004