Jun 11, 2017 — Private equity investments in Michigan grew in 2016 with an increase in both deals and the amount of capital invested. Part of the growth in private equity investments in Michigan and nationally stems from a greater awareness of private equity and an improving reputation for the industry. "At least in West Michigan, private equity has become more well-known in recent years," said Jeff Helminski, a managing partner at Auxo Investment Partners, which formed last fall.