Baird Capital Exceeds Target, Closes Third Global Fund at $450M
LONDON/CHICAGO (April 21, 2026) – Today, Baird Capital, the global private equity arm of Baird, announced the final close for its third Global Fund (“Global Fund III” or the “Fund”) hitting its hard cap of $450 million in committed capital.
Global Fund III is more than 30% larger than the predecessor fund and includes commitments from all prior anchor investors, reflecting investors’ belief in the firm’s investment strategy despite a challenging fundraising environment. While there was additional investor demand for the fund, Baird Capital maintained a $450 million fund size to continue its differentiated approach of being first institutional investors into lower-middle market, founder-led companies in the U.S. and U.K.
Global Fund III makes growth equity and buyout investments of $25 million to $75 million in B2B technology and services companies with revenues between $10 million to $100 million. Baird Capital leverages its global platform with offices in both Chicago and London to partner with lower-middle market businesses looking to achieve global growth and operating improvements. A key differentiator of the Fund lies in its global operational toolkit and its capacity to provide growing businesses with flexible capital solutions.
Baird Capital has already made three investments from Global Fund III, including U.K.-based native AI platform Evolute IQ; U.K.-based Rapid Energy which provides emergency and planned temperature-control hire solutions; and autoLOTO, a U.S.-based software and services company that helps organizations automate and manage Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety procedures.
The successful close of Global Fund III underscores the trust our investors place in the Baird Capital platform. Their continued confidence validates our focus on partnering with lower-middle market, founder‑led businesses as they pursue growth initiatives. Backed by an experienced team and a flexible investment approach, we’re well positioned to continue supporting companies as they scale and create long‑term value.
Gordon Pan, President of Baird Capital
Our footprint across the U.S. and the U.K. is a key differentiator, particularly in the lower middle market. With longstanding experience supporting B2B technology and services companies on both sides of the Atlantic, we have a clear right to win in an increasingly homogenous private equity market. With our new fund, we look forward to building on this momentum by backing more founder-led businesses seeking flexible capital and a true partnership approach.
James Benfield, Partner at Baird Capital, based in London
About Baird Capital
Baird Capital invests in B2B technology and services companies across North America and the U.K., partnering with entrepreneurs to build exceptional companies. With deep operational expertise, an engaged portfolio operations team and an extensive global relationship network, Baird Capital works closely with its portfolio companies to enhance shareholder value.
Baird Capital is the direct private investment arm of Robert W. Baird & Co. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked No. 16 on the 2026 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list—its 23rd consecutive year of recognition. For more information, please visit BairdCapital.com.
For more information contact:
Baird Public Relations
publicrelations@rwbaird.com
+1-414-765-7250
