In 2006 U.S. private equity firms broke the previous record set in the bubble year 2000, when venture capital was all the rage. Private equity firms set a fundraising record, raising $215.4 billion among 322 funds by the close of the year, according to Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst, an industry newsletter.

Private equity firms raised 33 percent more money last year than in 2005.

Huge buyout firms like Texas Pacific Group and the Blackstone Group raised $148.8 billion of last year’s total of $215.4 billion. Eight large buyout firms were responsible for 34 percent of the total, and 49 percent of the amount raised in buyout funds alone as institutional investors gravitated to firms with long track records of success.

In calculating totals, Private Equity Analyst includes only capital closed on during the year.

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