Private Equity Recruiters: Top 7 Agencies

Tatia Tatoshvili

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Introduction

Private equity recruiters play a crucial role in connecting top financial talent with leading investment firms, helping companies secure skilled professionals for roles in deal sourcing, portfolio management, and financial analysis. These specialized recruiters understand the unique demands of the private equity sector, ensuring firms find candidates with the right expertise and industry knowledge.

As the industry grows, so does the demand for top-tier talent. In the US alone, 13.3 million people were employed by private equity–backed companies in 2024, up from 12 million in 2022. These professionals earned an average annual salary of $85000, marking a 6% increase over the previous two years. The sector now contributes approximately 7% of U.S. GDP (around $2 trillion) and generates $337 billion in annual tax revenue.

Yet, as competition for talent intensifies, many firms, particularly smaller PE shops, are facing challenges in attracting and retaining professionals. A 2025 Wall Street Journal report noted that salaries at large firms rose 5%–10% into 2024, while firms without carried-interest incentives are struggling with retention. Demand is especially high for roles in private credit, secondaries, fundraising, and operating leadership.

Globally, the private equity sector is on a strong growth trajectory. Valued at $4.5 trillion in 2023, the market is projected to reach $7.9 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%, according to Dataintelo.

In this article, we explore the top 7 private equity recruiting agencies, highlighting their expertise, industry networks, and how they can help investment firms secure top talent in an increasingly competitive market.

Why partner with a private equity recruitment agency?

Private equity recruiters specialize in sourcing professionals for critical roles such as investment analysts, deal execution associates, operating partners, and C-level executives for portfolio companies. They understand the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of the industry and focus on finding candidates with the right mix of financial acumen, strategic thinking, and operational expertise.

Partnering with a specialized agency offers firms access to talent that goes beyond the typical inbound applicant pool, crucial in an industry where prestige often drives high volumes of unsolicited interest. While private equity firms may receive numerous inbound applications, many of these candidates lack the precise skill sets, deal experience, or cultural fit required. Specialized recruiters bring a proactive, targeted approach, identifying high-performing professionals through curated networks and direct outreach. This ensures a better match in terms of technical capability, strategic alignment, and long-term success, especially for roles where discretion, speed, and precision are critical.

To help you identify the right partner for your hiring needs, we’ve reviewed and selected the top private equity recruitment agencies based on their specialization, track record, and industry reputation.

Here are our top selections:

1. DevsData LLC – Top Pick: Best overall
2. PER: Best for Venture Capital Talent Acquisition
3. Selby Jennings: Best for Investment Banking Recruitment
4. Long Ridge Partners: Best for Alternative Asset Management Recruitment

1. DevsData LLC – Top Pick: Best overall

   

   Website: www.devsdata.com
   Company size: ~60 employees
   Founding year: 2016
   Headquarters: Brooklyn, NY, and Warsaw, Poland

   Founded in 2016, DevsData LLC has established itself as a premier recruitment agency specializing in private equity talent acquisition. With a government-approved recruitment license, the company helps investment firms, private equity funds, and portfolio companies find top-tier candidates through tailored hiring solutions. Operating on a success-fee model, DevsData ensures cost-effective hiring by charging only upon successful placements. Additionally, the company provides a guarantee period, offering peace of mind and a commitment to delivering the right talent fit. With a focus on precision hiring and industry expertise, they help firms scale their teams efficiently, ensuring that every placement aligns with their business goals and culture.

   DevsData LLC’s recruitment service is distinguished by its deep focus on knowledge and skills assessment. Rather than relying solely on resumes or job titles, the agency conducts structured evaluations that test real-world competencies critical to private equity roles. Each candidate undergoes a rigorous multi-stage screening process, including a 90-minute in-depth interview designed to assess analytical thinking, financial modeling, investment judgment, and communication skills. With an acceptance rate below 6%, DevsData ensures that only the most capable and well-prepared professionals are presented to clients, those who demonstrate not just experience, but the strategic insight and problem-solving acumen essential in high-stakes investment environments.

   Beyond recruitment for private equity firms, DevsData LLC excels in providing IT and data-driven solutions to support investment firms in managing and optimizing their portfolio companies’ technology infrastructure. Their expertise spans backend and frontend development, mobile applications, DevOps, data analytics, and enterprise software solutions, making them a valuable partner for private equity firms seeking both top-tier recruitment and cutting-edge technology solutions.

   DevsData LLC’s commitment to client success has earned them over 80 satisfied clients globally and a portfolio of 100+ successful projects. Client public testimonials showcase the company’s exceptional performance, backed by perfect 5.0 ratings on both Clutch and GoodFirms, a testament to an unwavering commitment to excellence.

   

   One example of DevsData LLC’s work in the financial sector involved a London-based investment fund specializing in algorithmic trading. The client sought tech lead-level engineers with strong backgrounds in quantitative finance and exceptional problem-solving skills. DevsData LLC implemented a rigorous, multi-stage vetting process, including timed programming challenges, live system design interviews, and domain-specific take-home tasks. What began as a search for a single hire resulted in the client expanding their plans, ultimately onboarding four senior engineers and opening a new engineering branch in Poland, demonstrating the strategic value of DevsData LLC’s precision-driven recruitment approach.

   Key features:

   • Helps private equity firms find top-tier professionals, providing access to a global talent pool specializing in investment analysis, deal structuring, and portfolio management.
   • Utilizes a rigorous selection process, including multi-stage interviews and an acceptance rate below 6%, ensuring only the most qualified professionals are recommended for private equity roles.
   • Provides comprehensive recruitment solutions for private equity firms and portfolio companies alongside IT and data-driven services.

   Learn more about DevsData LLC at general@devsdata.com or reach their team directly at www.devsdata.com.

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2. PER: Best for Venture Capital Talent Acquisition

   

   Website: www.per-people.com
   Company size: ~50 employees
   Founding year: 1997
   Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico

   PER (Private Equity Recruitment) is a global search firm specializing in private equity and venture capital talent acquisition. With over 25 years of experience, PER has developed a deep understanding of the private markets, enabling them to connect businesses with top-tier professionals across various investment strategies and in-house functions.

   PER is a top choice for venture capital talent acquisition due to its deep specialization in private markets and its ability to understand the unique demands of VC firms. Unlike private equity, venture capital prioritizes professionals with entrepreneurial instincts, agility in high-growth environments, and a strong understanding of emerging technologies. With over 25 years of experience, PER has cultivated a global network across innovation hubs, enabling it to identify talent that combines strategic thinking with startup experience. Their proven ability to place investment professionals, operational leaders, and ESG-focused talent makes them a trusted partner for firms seeking to build dynamic, forward-looking VC teams.

   Key features:

   • Focuses exclusively on private equity and venture capital recruitment, ensuring a deep understanding of industry-specific requirements.
   • Leverages a global presence to provide access to diverse talent pools and region-specific market insights.
   • Delivers customized recruitment solutions across core venture capital functions, including investment roles, investor relations, and portfolio support.

3. Selby Jennings: Best for Investment Banking Recruitment

   

   Website: selbyjennings.com
   Company size: ~850 employees
   Founding year: 2004
   Headquarters: Berlin, Germany

   Selby Jennings is a recruitment firm specializing in the financial services sector, with a strong focus on private equity. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of financial disciplines, including investment banking, risk management, quantitative research, and financial technology. With a global presence, Selby Jennings connects top-tier talent with firms across major economic hubs, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s evolving needs.

   Selby Jennings is a strong choice for firms seeking talent with investment banking expertise, a background often foundational for transitioning into private equity. With specialized teams focused on front-office roles like M&A, capital markets, and leveraged finance, Selby Jennings excels at sourcing professionals who possess the technical rigor, transaction experience, and fast-paced execution skills valued in both banking and investment roles. While their core focus is on financial services recruitment, their global reach and data-driven approach make them a valuable partner for private equity firms looking to hire former bankers with a proven track record in high-stakes deal environments.

   Key features:

   • Focuses on sourcing professionals across various financial sectors, ensuring a deep understanding of industry-specific requirements.
   • Leverages an extensive network to connect clients with top-tier candidates worldwide, facilitating placements in key financial centers.
   • Offers flexible recruitment models, permanent, contract, or multi-hire, tailored to the fast-moving needs of banking clients.

4. Long Ridge Partners: Best for Alternative Asset Management Recruitment

   

   Website: longridgepartners.com
   Company size: ~90 employees
   Founding year: 2004
   Headquarters: New York, NY

   Long Ridge Partners is an executive search firm specializing in alternative asset management recruitment, including hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and credit sectors. With nearly two decades of experience, they have completed approximately 4000 placements, demonstrating their expertise in identifying and placing top-tier talent within the investment management industry.

   The company specializes in alternative asset management recruitment, with a strong track record in sectors like hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and credit. Their approach is built on long-standing industry relationships and deep market knowledge, allowing them to source professionals with the specialized skills these firms demand. From portfolio strategy to risk management and operations, they understand the nuances of alternative investments and deliver talent that aligns with both technical and cultural requirements.

   Key features:

   • Concentrates on alternative asset management sectors, ensuring a deep understanding of industry-specific talent needs.
   • With nearly 4000 successful placements, they have a proven track record of matching clients with high-caliber professionals.
   • Provides recruitment solutions across front, middle, and back-office functions, catering to a wide range of organizational needs.

After thoroughly exploring our top picks, let’s explore more options that might be a great fit for your company.

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5. Pearse Partners

   

   Website: pearsepartners.com
   Company size: ~20 employees
   Founding year: 2018
   Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

   Pearse Partners is a London-based search firm renowned for its people-centric approach and recognized as an industry leader in private equity recruitment. Specializing in front-office financial services, they pride themselves on working with diverse investment teams across buy-side markets.

   Pearse Partners is known for its strong focus on front-office financial services recruitment, particularly within private equity, investment banking, and credit markets. Their expertise lies in identifying high-performing professionals for roles in investment, M&A, and capital deployment. What sets them apart is a people-centric approach that prioritizes long-term relationships and deep industry understanding. With successful placements across multiple global markets, Pearse Partners consistently delivers talent that fits both the technical demands and cultural dynamics of top-tier investment teams.

   Key features:

   • Specializes in front-office recruitment across private equity, investment banking, and credit.
   • Delivers cross-border talent searches with successful placements in six countries.
   • Focuses on long-term client and candidate relationships for tailored, high-impact hires.

6. The Oxbridge Group

   

   Website: oxbridgegroup.com
   Company size: ~50 employees
   Founding year: 1988
   Headquarters: Los Angeles, California

   The Oxbridge Group is a distinguished executive search firm specializing in identifying and recruiting top investment professionals for private equity, hedge funds, and corporate clients. With over three decades of experience, they have developed a deep understanding of the investment landscape, enabling them to connect businesses with high-caliber talent across various strategies and sectors.

   The Oxbridge Group is recognized for its strength in executive and C-suite recruitment within the finance sector, particularly across private equity, hedge funds, and alternative investments. With decades of experience, the firm connects top-tier leaders with firms seeking strategic talent in roles such as CFO, COO, Head of Investor Relations, and General Counsel. Their approach focuses on discreet, targeted searches and leveraging deep sector knowledge to identify leaders with proven experience in investment strategy, fundraising, and operational growth, making them a reliable partner for firms seeking high-impact executives.

   Key features:

   • Specializes in executive and C-suite recruitment for private equity and alternative investment firms.
   • Places senior leaders across finance, legal, operations, and investor relations.
   • Emphasizes confidentiality, long-term partnerships, and strategic talent alignment.

7. Henkel Search Partners

   

   Website: henkelsp.com
   Company size: ~30 employees
   Founding year: 2011
   Headquarters: New York, NY

   Henkel Search Partners (HSP) is a boutique executive search firm specializing in private equity recruitment known for its high-touch, results-driven approach. Partnering with leading buy-side and financial services firms, HSP develops tailored recruiting strategies to help clients secure top-tier investment professionals.

   With a strong focus on precision hiring and deep market insights, HSP goes beyond traditional recruitment by offering access to elite talent across investment, finance, and portfolio management. Their expertise also includes advising clients on organizational structure, succession planning, and compensation benchmarking, helping firms build investment teams that are both high-performing and scalable within the demands of the private equity landscape.

   Key features:

   • Provides end-to-end recruitment services, from candidate identification to placement, ensuring a seamless hiring process.
   • Offers clients strategic insights and guidance to optimize their talent acquisition strategies.
   • Serves a wide range of funds varying in size, sector focus, and investment strategy, demonstrating adaptability to different client needs.

Conclusion

Private equity recruitment has become more critical than ever as firms compete to attract top-tier talent in a highly specialized and competitive market.

The right recruitment partner can make a significant difference, ensuring that investment firms, private equity funds, and portfolio companies secure professionals with the expertise needed to drive deal-making, portfolio growth, and strategic decision-making.

Among the top agencies, DevsData LLC stands out as our top recommendation due to its rigorous selection process, access to a vast global talent pool, and expertise in both recruitment and technology solutions. Unlike traditional recruitment firms, the company leverages a data-driven approach, utilizing advanced analytics, AI-powered screening, and deep industry insights to match firms with the most qualified professionals. Their flexible hiring models, which include executive search, contingency recruitment, and dedicated headhunting, allow investment firms to scale their teams efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of talent acquisition.

Whether your firm is expanding its investment team, strengthening portfolio company leadership, or seeking specialized financial talent, the agencies featured in this article provide exceptional expertise, deep industry networks, and a proven track record of success. By partnering with a top private equity recruiter, investment firms can gain a competitive advantage, ensuring they attract and retain the best professionals in the industry while focusing on growth, innovation, and long-term success.

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Tatia Tatoshvili Copywriter and Marketer

Tatia Tatoshvili is a Marketing and Communications professional with deep expertise in digital strategy and project management. Tatia’s experience includes implementing strategic marketing campaigns, elevating brand visibility, and building partnerships that expand education and job opportunities in the digital sector. She is passionate about fostering innovation and advancing digital literacy to create lasting impact.

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