Congratulations to the 2021 Rising Stars of Private Equity! The 11 up-and-coming dealmakers recognized by Mergers & Acquisitions faced unprecedented challenges from the Covid pandemic and quarantines. Despite the adverse conditions, these stellar transaction professionals sourced and closed deals while displaying creativity, flexibility, proficiency and empathy. All the while, they were champions of ESG and DEI, providing a promising glimpse of the future of private equity. Below is our list of Rising Stars, with links to profiles. The writeups feature quotes from the Rising Stars themselves, as well as comments from their sponsoring executives.