Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (NYSE: KKR)

First cousins and lifelong friends Henry Kravis and George Roberts shared an entrepreneurial vision with their mentor, Jeremy Kohlberg—to move beyond traditional methods of capital investment and explore bold new approaches. Discussing the knick-knacks of building an investment firm from the ground up at a New York City restaurant during dinner, Kravis and Roberts jotted down their ideas on a napkin, leading to the inception of Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) (NYSE: KKR).

A global investment firm with a relentless entrepreneurial spirit embedded in its DNA, KKR invests in and manages multiple alternative asset classes on behalf of clients and helps address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Every investment decision is backed by meticulous research, industry foresight and a long-term vision.

KKR’s goal is to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns to clients and give back to the community. Investing in a diversified and flexible portfolio of assets across vintages and sectors that shape everyday life empowers the firm to meet its objectives.

“We’re religious about flexibility within capital structures,” says Nate Taylor, partner and co-head of global private equity. “We almost never take the last dollar of debt financing so that in periods of volatility our businesses can weather the storm.”

Private equity remains the firm’s specialty, with KKR consistently proving its ability to spot opportunities others overlook. Whether helping an established corporation modernize operations or backing a high-growth disruptor, it blends deep financial expertise with hands-on operational guidance to drive measurable results. Its investments span industries that shape everyday life, including technology, healthcare and consumer goods.

Beyond private equity, KKR is a dominant force in infrastructure, financing large-scale projects that form the backbone of modern economies. From power grids and transportation networks to digital connectivity, it invests in the systems that keep the world running. A prime example is the joint venture with T-Mobile for the acquisition of Metronet, a regional broadband provider, to expand high-speed internet access.

In the real estate space, KKR applies a balanced approach to developing and managing high-quality properties across commercial, industrial and residential markets. Rather than focusing on quick flips, the firm plays the long game, ensuring that investments create lasting value for stakeholders. Its real estate portfolio, spanning urban redevelopment projects and large-scale logistics hubs that power global trade, is built with resilience and adaptability in mind.

Considering the real-world consequences of investment decisions, KKR has garnered a strong presence in impact investing. Its dedicated impact fund channels capital into businesses that tackle pressing global challenges. By aligning investments with the UN sustainable development goals, the firm proves that profitability and purpose can go hand in hand.

Its credit business provides customized financing solutions through direct lending, asset-based finance and opportunistic credit investments, allowing clients at every stage to access the capital they need to grow. In the insurance sector, KKR leverages its deep investment expertise to manage long-term assets and liabilities with unmatched precision, guaranteeing stability for policyholders and institutional customers.

KKR believes that true success comes from building something that lasts, from creating businesses that survive market cycles and emerge more potent. It is this very understanding that enables the firm to navigate complexity with precision and shape the future of alternatives industry, one strategic move at a time.