Buyout and mezzanine funds raised $86.9 billion in 2005, up from $52 billion in 2004, according to Thomson Venture Economics and the National Venture Capital Association. There were 159 funds in 2005, up from 129 the year before. In 2005, 183 venture capital funds raised $38 billion, up from $17 billion raised by 194 funds the year before.
About 35% of the buyout and mezzanine funds closed in the fourth quarter of 2005, raising $30 billion, compared with $18 billion raised in the third quarter and $18 billion raised in the fourth quarter of 2004. Fifty venture capital funds raised $6.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared with $5.8 billion raised by 57 funds in the third quarter 2005 and $6.4 billion raised by 65 firms in the fourth quarter of 2004.