Updated:
Sachem Head Capital Management LP
Sachem Head Capital Management LP is a New York-based activist hedge fund founded by Scott Ferguson in 2011, focusing on concentrated equity investments.
Sachem Head Capital Management LP
Scott Ferguson launched Sachem Head Capital Management LP in 2011 after a decade at Pershing Square Capital Management, where he had helped manage the firm's activist portfolio. Initial capital came from David Einhorn and other investors, giving the fund early credibility. The firm is named after a mountain in the Adirondacks, reflecting Ferguson's New York roots. Sachem Head runs a concentrated activist equity strategy, typically holding 8–15 positions in public companies across sectors including healthcare, industrials, consumer, and financials. The firm engages with management teams and boards to unlock shareholder value through operational efficiencies, capital returns, or strategic sales. Known positions have included investments in companies such as CDK Global, The ADT Corporation, and AIG (per public filings, 2015–2020). Sachem Head generally invests in North American equities. The firm's AUM is not publicly disclosed but is estimated to be in the range of $1B–$5B based on reported fund performance and institutional investor commitments (Altss estimate). Ferguson leads a lean team of investment professionals based in New York City. The firm does not operate a separate philanthropic foundation under the Sachem Head brand; charitable activity is conducted personally by the founder. Sachem Head's structural differentiator is its pure-play activist focus paired with a small, concentrated portfolio — a model that allows deep engagement in each position. Unlike larger multi-strategy funds, Sachem Head commits fewer resources per campaign but aims for high-conviction bets with clear catalysts.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2011
AUM
Undisclosed (Altss estimate)
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
New York
Corporate office
New York, NY, United States
Principals
Scott M. Ferguson
Founder and Chief Investment Officer
David E. Einhorn
Co-Founder (initial backing)
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Sachem Head?
Scott Ferguson is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer, making all final investment decisions. He previously served as a portfolio manager at Pershing Square Capital Management for roughly a decade before launching Sachem Head in 2011 (per public record).
How does Sachem Head source proprietary deal flow?
Sachem Head's activist strategy involves deep fundamental research across mid- to large-cap public equities in North America. The firm identifies companies with perceived operational or strategic inefficiencies and engages with management to unlock value. Deal flow is primarily through public filings, independent research, and relationships with other institutional investors.
What investment stages does Sachem Head typically target?
Sachem Head invests in public equities, typically taking meaningful activist stakes in mid- to large-cap companies. It does not focus on venture-stage or private equity direct investments.
Does Sachem Head participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
Sachem Head operates a pooled investment vehicle (typically a hedge fund structure) for institutional investors. It does not offer separately managed accounts or co-investment structures publicly; its capital is committed through the flagship fund.
Which sectors does Sachem Head explicitly avoid?
Sachem Head does not publicly disclose a list of avoided sectors. Based on known positions, the firm has generally stayed away from technology and energy sectors, focusing instead on healthcare, industrials, consumer, and financials (per public filings).
How is Sachem Head related to Pershing Square?
Founder Scott Ferguson was a senior portfolio manager at Pershing Square Capital Management before leaving in 2011. The two firms are not affiliated; Sachem Head is independently owned and operated, though it shares an activist DNA.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
Initial capital came from David Einhorn and other institutional investors. The fund now manages capital from endowments, foundations, pension funds, and high-net-worth individuals through institutional placements (per public record).
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
Need institutional-grade insight on family offices?
Altss delivers:
Prefer a guided tour?
We’ll walk you through: