Ariel Investments
Ariel Investments is a leading global value-based asset management firm founded in 1983, recognized as the largest Black-owned mutual fund company in the United States. Headquartered in Chicago with additional offices in New York City and San Francisco, the firm manages approximately $13.8 billion in assets as of 2025. Ariel built its reputation on a disciplined, long-term value investing philosophy, specializing in small- and mid-cap U.S. value stocks, and has since expanded into global and international value strategies. Serving both individual and institutional investors, Ariel offers a wide range of solutions including mutual funds, customized separate accounts, and private equity vehicles, all designed to deliver sustainable growth through its hallmark principle of Active Patience®.
ARIEL INVESTMENTS
Founded in 1983 by John Rogers Jr., Ariel Investments is a Chicago-based, value-driven asset management firm with a rich legacy in long-term investing.
Originally launched as a small- and mid-cap value investment manager, Ariel built its reputation through the Ariel Fund, which today holds the longest track record in the mid-cap value category.
The firm is led by visionary co-CEOs John Rogers and Mellody Hobson, who have expanded Ariel’s influence as a trailblazing asset manager.
A pivotal step in Ariel’s evolution was the creation of Ariel Alternatives in 2021, a private equity arm designed to scale minority-owned businesses through its flagship initiative Project Black®.
More recently, Ariel launched Project Level, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to investing in women’s sports, recognizing its explosive growth potential.
PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS
Separate Accounts
Customized investment management for pension plans, foundations, endowments, institutional investors, and their consultants.
Mutual Funds
A suite of no-load mutual funds available for individual investors, IRAs, 401(k) plans, rollovers, and college savings programs.
Ariel Alternatives: Project Black®
A pioneering private equity strategy focused on scaling sustainable minority-owned businesses into Fortune 500 suppliers.
Project Level
An innovative private investment vehicle capitalizing on the rising momentum of women’s sports, aiming to elevate the sector to major league status.