Clearlake Capital

Behdad Eghbali established Clearlake Capital in 2006 with a vision to build a specialized private equity firm. The company started as a mid-sized player but quickly expanded its reach across the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. By 2026, the firm managed over $185 billion in assets while maintaining offices in Santa Monica, Dallas, New York, London, Dublin, Luxembourg, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore.

The brand gained significant public attention in 2022 when it joined an investor consortium to purchase Chelsea Football Club. This acquisition marked a major entry into sports ownership for the firm. Recent reports from August 2026 suggest a shift in that relationship, with co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter considering selling their stakes to Clearlake. Such a move would give the private equity group total control of the club amid reported internal tensions.

Financial momentum continued into mid-2026 with the closing of a $14.8 billion fund dedicated to AI-driven transformation. This capital raise demonstrated the firm's ability to attract institutional investors during volatile market conditions. Unlike broader competitors that diversify across many industries, Clearlake maintains a niche focus on high-growth companies within its core sectors. [edit]