HGGC CEO Rich Lawson Sees Opportunities in Mid-Cap Private Equity
As macroeconomic conditions shift, opportunities for investors are increasingly focused on mid-cap, or middle-market, businesses, according to Rich Lawson, CEO and Co-Founder of HGGC.
Shifting Investment Landscape
Lawson’s observation, shared with Bloomberg, highlights a growing trend in the private equity sector. Middle-market companies – generally defined as businesses with between $100 million and $500 million in revenue – often present attractive investment profiles due to their potential for growth and operational improvements. These businesses frequently operate in niche markets and can offer strong returns with a more manageable risk profile compared to larger, more complex enterprises.
Rich Lawson and HGGC: A Profile
Rich Lawson co-founded HGGC (formerly Huntsman Gay Global Capital) in 2007. The firm, headquartered in Palo Alto, California, focuses on investments in middle-market companies across various industries. Lawson directs the firm’s governance, investment decisions, and investor relations [HGGC].
As of 2024, HGGC manages over $4.3 billion in cumulative capital commitments and oversees portfolio companies employing more than 65,000 people globally [ACG Latest York]. Over its history, HGGC has completed transactions with an aggregate value of $25 billion [ACG New York].
Lawson’s Background and Experience
Prior to HGGC, Lawson established Huntsman Gay Capital Partners in 2007 with Jon M. Huntsman and Robert C. Gay, and Sorenson Capital in 2002 with James LeVoy Sorenson [ACG New York]. He also has experience at Morgan Stanley’s mergers and acquisitions department and served as President and CEO of Found, Inc. [ACG New York].
Recent Activity and Recognition
Lawson recently participated in discussions on Bloomberg Open Interest regarding Ares’ Q4 2025 earnings, emphasizing the firm’s strong performance [LinkedIn]. He was also recognized for his conversation with Capital Allocators, which was named one of the top private markets episodes of all time [LinkedIn].
Philanthropic Involvement
Lawson also actively participates in philanthropic endeavors, serving as a director, chairman emeritus, or trustee of organizations like the Capital Impact Foundation, San Francisco Zoo, Wasatch Adaptive Sports, and the Forever Young Foundation [ACG New York]. The Forever Young Foundation utilizes HGGC’s carried interest proceeds to support children’s causes globally [ACG New York].