We are thrilled to release the 2024 list of the Top 20 Independent Sponsors on Axial!

In the past year, Independent Sponsors have solidified their position as key players in the M&A landscape. The latest data from Axial highlights this trend, showcasing a 28.48% year-over-year increase in Independent Sponsors using the platform. In addition, Independent Sponsors accounted for 31% of all platform-sourced closed deals over the last 12 months, leading all buyer types.

Independent Sponsors are increasingly popular in lower middle market transactions due to their flexibility, personalized approach, and deep industry expertise. They often bring a hands-on, tailored strategy to each investment, which resonates well with business owners seeking a partner who can offer more than just capital.

Axial's Independent Sponsor ranking is assembled based on the deal-making activities of 573 Independent Sponsors (full deal activity breakdown above) and is primarily driven by three factors:

Total Closures: Total deals closed by the firm since inception
Axial Closures: Total closed deals sourced via Axial
Process Effectiveness: Ability to progress to the IOI or LOI stage on deals sourced via Axial

Congratulations to the featured Independent Sponsors for their achievements!