Join the American Investment Council (AIC) and CQ Roll Call for free Van Leeuwen ice cream sandwiches and Little Sesame hummus cups. We’re celebrating how private investment helps small businesses like these grow into national favorites.
Thursday, September 18 | 2:00 – 5:00 PM
House Side: In front of the Capitol Hill Club (across from the Capitol South Metro Station)
Founded in 2016 by Ronen Tenne and brothers Nick and David Wiseman, Little Sesame began as a 500-square-foot pop-up in Washington, DC. Using their fine-dining backgrounds, they reimagined hummus as a fresh, flavorful, and healthy staple.
Today, thanks to investment from Beliade, Little Sesame hummus is available in thousands of grocery stores across the country, still being made in DC, but enjoyed everywhere.
In 2008, founders Laura O’Neill and brothers Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen launched the first Van Leeuwen ice cream brand out of a retrofitted post office truck on the streets of New York City.
Since 2020, the ice cream shop has been backed by NextWorld, which has supported its growth to over 50 shops.
In 2025, 85% of private equity investments went to supporting businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
Private equity supported nearly 5,000 small and mid-sized businesses in 2024 — up more than 200 from the prior year.
Private equity invested $654.1 billion in small and mid-sized businesses in 2024, more than $100 billion higher than in 2023.
Sunshine Beverages
Private equity has helped this Winston-Salem, North Carolina -based company grow its distribution network, establish key grocery chain partnerships, and deliver on its promise of great taste with no artificial flavors and low sugar.
Black Rock Coffee
Black Rock Coffee secured critical capital and expertise from its private equity partner to weather economic challenges and position the brand for long-term growth.
RVShare
When RVshare partnered with private equity, the company capitalized on the investment by bolstering staff and scaling its business through strategic marketing campaigns.
