Schroders Capital has closed its Global Direct IV co-investment strategy at $1.3 billion, capping a record fundraising year. The pure-play co-investment vehicle targets small and mid-market companies with enterprise values typically below $1bn, focusing on Europe and the US with selective growth allocations in Asia across healthcare, technology, business services, consumer, and industrials sectors. Since launching in 2024, the fund has attracted commitments from institutional investors and family offices.

"Reaching US$1.3 billion marks an important milestone for Global Direct IV as well as our broader private equity platform," said Rainer Ender, global head of private equity at Schroders Capital. He noted 2026 marked the firm's third consecutive record fundraising year, with over $5bn raised across the platform. The strategy has completed more than 260 co-investments, generating a realised return of 3.3 times invested capital across 86 partially and fully realised deals.

Recent exits include Aer Fin, Saber Power Services, and Pharmacy2U, expected to deliver a blended 6.0 times return and over $1.2bn in proceeds. David Bajada, co-portfolio manager, highlighted the segment's deep opportunity set. Schroders Capital's private equity platform now oversees $29.7bn in assets, while the wider business manages $113.7bn across private markets within Schroders Group, the FTSE 100 asset manager overseeing £867.8bn as of 30 June 2026.