In compiling this data, Heidrick & Struggles conducted a survey of 260 direct private equity firms (General Partnerships) operating in North America. Our survey was sent to both investment professionals as well as non-investment professionals representing other functions such as operating partners, fundraisers, CFOs, COOs, General Counsels and HR professionals. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, the largest group of respondents was investment professionals. While professionals representing other functions responded to the survey, the data set was not large enough to present here. We are considering conducting a separate survey focused exclusively on non-investment professionals.

A number of Limited Partners responded to the survey as well, but the data relating to this group of investors was also, unfortunately, not significant enough to build into the report. Their numbers have not been included in the results presented here.

The data presented represents a compilation of information from 416 investment professionals at General Partnerships in North America.