The markets are cheering the IPO of the private equity firm.

EQT Partners stock surged more than 25% on the first day of trading in Stockholm. The firm now has a valuation of more than $8 billion. Private equity firms have sometimes struggled to gain investor acceptance. Perhaps this is a sign that investors are warming up to the industry.

Chairman and founder of EQT Conni Jonsson said in a statement: “The IPO of EQT AB has reached the finishing line. But for us, this is merely a watering station en route into the future. During the listing process, we have met with investors worldwide and are proud to welcome a strong investor base to support EQT’s growth strategy, as we now become a listed company. We are looking forward to continuing EQT’s development journey, seize the opportunities, and deliver on the trust placed in us by both new and existing shareholders.”

EQT Partners Stock Popped

EQT Partners is a 25-year-old private equity firm with 19 active funds that invest in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The firm currently has more than EUR 40 billion in assets under management.

Investor AB, a Swedish holding company, founded the firm along with AEA Investors, a North American private equity group. Other founders included SEB the Swedish Bank along with Conni Jonsson and Thomas von Koch.

SEB eventually sold its shares to Investor AB and AEA.

While they started as a Nordic Private Equity firm, they have expanded into other areas. Like most of the US-based PE firms, EQT now invests in infrastructure, private credit, and real estate. They have also recently begun to raise money for venture capital investments, The firm wants to focus on the high-profit potential of technology and other innovative companies.

More About EQT Partners

EQT also has a public equities portfolio. They invest in public companies with strong market positions, an engaged management team, and significant potential for top-line and earnings growth.