Goldman Sachs Acquires Industry Ventures for 965M USD

Goldman Sachs announced on Monday that it's acquiring Industry Ventures, a key player in secondary investments for venture capital, in a deal worth up to $965 million.

The purchase includes cash, stock, and potential bonuses based on future performance. This move helps the big investment bank expand its role in providing quicker ways for investors to cash out in the private markets, especially as traditional stock market debuts slow down.

Founded in 2000 and based in San Francisco, Industry Ventures manages about $9 billion in assets. It focuses on buying shares in venture-backed companies or interests in VC funds from investors who need liquidity. The secondary market, where these private stakes are traded, has grown significantly, with deals exceeding $100 billion globally in 2024, per industry reports.

• Goldman Sachs Acquires Industry Ventures for $965M to Expand Private Markets
• Goldman Strengthens VC Secondary Investments with Industry Ventures Buyout
• Industry Ventures Acquisition Highlights Growing Trend in Venture Capital Secondaries

For Goldman Sachs, this acquisition strengthens its private markets business. "This acquisition enhances our position in the rapidly evolving private markets, providing innovative solutions for our clients' liquidity needs," said Goldman CEO David Solomon. The deal allows Goldman to offer more comprehensive services to wealthy clients and institutions holding hard-to-sell VC positions.

Ryan Petersen, CEO of Industry Ventures, added: "Joining Goldman Sachs will allow us to scale our impact and deliver even greater value to the VC ecosystem." He noted how secondaries have become essential for freeing up money in a tougher economic environment with higher interest rates.

The deal highlights broader trends in venture capital. IPOs have dropped by over 30% from their highs, pushing funds toward alternatives like secondaries, SPACs, and direct sales. Secondaries now make up more than 20% of VC exits, compared to just a small fraction years ago, as older investments from the recent boom need outlets.

Industry experts see this as Wall Street firms like Goldman entering a space once dominated by specialized players. It could lead to more consolidation, benefiting larger operations but raising questions about competition. Still, it promises faster capital flow back into new startups.

Also Read: Macron Defiant as France Faces Turmoil, No-Confidence Threat

As alternative exits continue to rise, with projections for another strong year in 2025, Goldman's step signals confidence in the ongoing evolution of private investing. For many in VC, liquidity solutions like this are no longer optional—they're critical for survival.