[2] The firm was founded in 1980 as the captive investment team for Atlantic Philanthropies, a philanthropic organization founded by Charles F. Feeney, the billionaire co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers Ltd.[3] As of November 2021, General Atlantic has over $86 billion in assets under management and focuses on investments across five sectors, including Technology, Consumer, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Life Sciences.

[11] In November 2019, General Atlantic announced the appointments of Gabriel Caillaux, Martín Escobari, and Anton Levy to Co-Presidents of the firm, expanding its senior leadership team with the newly created roles.

[12][13] In December 2019, General Atlantic's Global Co-Head of Financial Services Paul Stamas was selected as one of GrowthCap's Top 40 Under 40 Growth Investors of 2019.

[14] General Atlantic focused initially on investments in computer software, oil and gas exploration, real estate and retailing.

[17] In October 2023, General Atlantic acquired a minority stake in India-based travel-tech platform TBO for an undisclosed amount.

[20][21] In October 2024, General Atlantic Set Up First Office In Middle East To Find Companies To Invest In Technology And Healthcare Industries Overall.