Early Life and Education
Scott Kapnick was born in the United States and received a strong educational foundation. He graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He furthered his education by obtaining a combined Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. He also studied at the London School of Economics & Political Science. These educational experiences provided Kapnick with a comprehensive understanding of finance, law, and economics, which have been pivotal in his career.
Rise to Success
Kapnick's career began at Goldman Sachs, where he spent 21 years. During his tenure, he rose through the ranks to become co-head of investment banking and co-CEO of Goldman Sachs International. He was named Partner in 1994, a significant achievement within the firm. In 2007, Kapnick left Goldman Sachs to establish HPS Investment Partners (originally as Highbridge Principal Strategies), a credit-focused alternative investment firm. Under his leadership, HPS has grown into a leading global firm with $179 billion in assets under management as of September 2025. In July 2025, HPS was acquired by BlackRock, where Kapnick now leads the Private Financing Solutions (PFS) unit.
Key Business Strategies
Kapnick's success can be attributed to several key business strategies. His focus on private credit, mezzanine capital, and direct lending has allowed HPS to provide creative capital solutions and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. He has emphasized the importance of a disciplined approach to risk management and has cultivated a global reach to identify compelling investment opportunities. His leadership style, characterized by entrepreneurial drive and strategic vision, has enabled HPS to navigate challenging economic environments and capitalize on market opportunities.
Philanthropy
Kapnick is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. He is the Chairman of the Boards of Directors for the Naples Botanical Garden, Room to Read, and Aileron Therapeutics. His commitment to giving back to the community and supporting various charitable causes underscores his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the financial realm.