"3i" primarily refers to 3i Group plc, a British multinational private equity and venture capital company based in London. It was formed in 1945 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange as a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. The company specializes in private equity investments and infrastructure, focusing on mid-market companies in Europe and North America. It provides capital and expertise to help businesses grow and aims to generate mid to high teens returns for its shareholders. 3i is known for its long history in industrial and commercial finance, evolving from the Industrial and Commercial Finance Corporation to its current form. It operates internationally with offices in several countries and is a significant player in the private equity market, investing in sectors such as business services, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrial technology.
Additionally, "3i" can also refer to 3I/ATLAS, which is a recently discovered interstellar comet. However, the primary and most common reference is to the investment company. If the interest is in finance and investment, the former is the relevant entity.
