Josh Harris, co-founder of private equity giant Apollo, is launching a new firm, 26North Partners — an alternative asset manager that invests across asset classes.
The firm, which is launching with more than $5 billion, will initially focus on private equity, credit and insurance solutions. Harris is joined by a seasoned team of executives from top-performing private market firms.
Mark Weinberg, who led U.S. private equity at Brookfield Asset Management, joins 26North next year to lead its private equity platform. The former head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s private credit group Brendan McGovern will lead 26 North’s direct lending platform.
“I am thrilled to return to my roots as an investor and entrepreneur with the launch of 26North and excited to reconnect with the many partners I’ve worked with over the last 30 years,” said Harris in a press statement. “Investment performance starts wit extraordinary people and I feel grateful to have attracted such outstanding talent.”
Weinberg and McGovern join more than 40 team members, including former Centerbridge and Goldman Sachs partner Lance West, former Apollo Global Management Managing Director Evan Zemsky, former Blackstone Managing Director Tina Raja and former Security Benefit Life executive Cole Charnas.
“The team we’ve put in place at launch is just the beginning and I couldn’t be more energized for an exciting journey ahead,” added Harris.
Separately, 26North also formed a joint venture with Braven Management to leverage the firm’s technological expertise in order to enhance 26North’s investment and operational strengths. Braven is led by William Abecassis, the former head of Blackrock’s venture group Innovation Capital.
