Adams Street Partners

Adams Street Partners was founded in 1972 as the growth equity division of First National Bank of Chicago, then known as First Chicago Investment Advisors. In 1989, the division was spun out as Brinson Partners following a management buyout led by Gary P. Brinson. After being acquired by Swiss Bank Corporation and subsequently becoming part of UBS Asset Management, the Adams Street Partners name was formed in 2000 to navigate bank-related regulatory requirements.

The firm became an independent, employee-owned entity on January 1, 2001, and later bought out UBS s remaining minority stake in 2008. While historically recognized for its fund of funds leadership, the firm expanded its platform in 2016 by launching dedicated venture capital and private credit businesses. As of 2024, it is ranked among the world's largest private equity firms by PEI 300.