HarbourVest Partners is a worldwide private equity investment firm. It was founded in 1997 to assume the business of Hancock Venture Partners, which was formed in 1982. The company invests in all types of private equity funds, such as venture capital and leveraged buyout funds, and also directly in operating companies. HarbourVest manages investments in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and other emerging markets. The company was formed to provide institutional investors with a vehicle through which to invest in venture capital and other private equity partnerships as well as directly into operating companies. The firm's clients include more than 240 pension funds, endowments, foundations and financial institutions. The team has committed more than $13 billion to nearly 200 managers of private equity funds on a primary basis, completed nearly $3 billion in more than 460 purchases of secondary partnership interests and invested approximately $2.5 billion directly in operating companies. HarbourVest Partners is located in Boston.