One of the world’s biggest private market investors expands Asia push — betting on early-stage China deals and domestic demand

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EQT, one of the largest private market investors in the world, is doubling down on Asia, calling the region a big growth engine and home to some of the most compelling opportunities across private equity and infrastructure.

“Asia is a big growth opportunity for us… we see some of the most attractive opportunities in our pipeline in Asia,” EQT CEO Per Franzén said in an interview with CNBC. The Swedish private equity giant said more private market investors worldwide are seeking to diversify their portfolios and channel more money toward the region.

Earlier in April, EQT raised over $10 billion for its ninth Asia private equity fund, the BPEA Private Equity Fund IX, which launched in August 2024 with a $12.5 billion target. The firm also plans to invest around $930 million in South Korea’s enterprise software provider Douzone Bizon.

EQT’s emphasis on the region also mirrors that of other private equity players.