Berkshire Partners Named to Inc.’s 2026 List of Founder-Friendly Investors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Berkshire Partners (“Berkshire”), a Boston-based private equity firm focused on the middle market, today announced that it has been named to Inc. Magazine’s 2026 Founder-Friendly Investors list, marking the firm's fourth consecutive year receiving the honor.

To compile the Founder-Friendly Investors list, founders who have sold their companies to private equity and venture capital firms completed questionnaires about their experiences partnering with private equity, venture capital, and debt firms and shared data on how their companies have performed during these partnerships. The resulting list highlights investors that founders identified as strong partners throughout the investment process.

“We've had the privilege of partnering with extraordinary founders whose vision, determination and deep industry expertise have built exceptional businesses,” said Chris Hadley, Co-Managing Partner at Berkshire Partners. “We have tremendous respect for what they've accomplished and share their ambition for what comes next. We're grateful for the opportunity to build on that foundation, bringing our experience, resources and partnership to help these companies reach new heights.”

“The best partnerships are built through close collaboration and a willingness to roll up our sleeves together,” said Marni Payne, Managing Director & Head of Portfolio Support Group at Berkshire Partners. “Whether that means strengthening existing capabilities, tackling complex challenges, or pursuing new opportunities, our goal is to provide practical, hands-on support that helps businesses thrive.”

Berkshire’s continued inclusion reflects its longstanding commitment to the core values that guide its approach to investing and partnership: Relationships Matter, The Power of Teams, and Winning the Right Way.

To view the full list of honorees, please click here.

Berkshire is not affiliated with Inc., and an entry fee was paid when applying for this award.

About Berkshire Partners

Berkshire Partners is a 100% employee-owned, multi-sector specialist investor in private and public equity, with a focus on North American-based, middle-market companies. For more than four decades, the firm's private equity team has invested in well-positioned, growing companies across services, healthcare, industrials, and technology. Berkshire is currently investing from its Fund XI, with approximately $7.8 billion in commitments. Since inception, Berkshire Partners has made more than 140 private equity investments and has consistently worked in close partnership with management teams to build enduring businesses. Stockbridge, the firm's public equity group, was founded in 2007 and manages a concentrated portfolio seeking attractive long-term investments.

About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.