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Maximize the growth of your assets with peace of mind thanks to Private Equity!

The fundamentals and challenges of private equity

20/4/2024
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6
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Private Equity Fundamentals

What is private equity?

Private equity refers to investments in unlisted companies, whether young start-ups or established companies looking to expand.
Unlike public markets, where a company's shares are traded on the stock market, private equity offers the opportunity to hold a direct stake in these private companies, often in collaboration with other investors.

The exceptional advantages of private equity

Attractive long-term returns

One of the main advantages of private equity is the potential for higher returns. By investing in unlisted companies, you have the opportunity to participate in their growth and success. Start-ups can experience rapid growth, while more established companies can benefit from expansion and restructuring strategies. With a long-term investment horizon, private equity allows you to maximize returns over an extended period.

Access to Unique Opportunities

Private equity opens the door to unique opportunities that you won't find on the public markets. You can invest in emerging industries, disruptive technologies and sectors with high growth potential. What's more, private equity allows you to diversify your portfolio by gaining exposure to different business sectors and investing in companies of different sizes, stages of development and geographic regions.

Active Partnership and Value Creation

As a private equity investor, you can play an active role in the development of the companies in which you invest. You contribute not only your capital, but also your expertise, experience and network of contacts. You can sit on the board of directors, provide strategic and operational advice, and help companies overcome the challenges they face. This active partnership enables you to create added value and have a direct impact on business success.

Portfolio diversification

Investing in private equity allows you to diversify your portfolio beyond traditional equities and bonds. By adding private equity investments to your overall strategy, you reduce the risks associated with excessive exposure to a single asset type. Diversification allows you to spread risk across different types of investments, sectors and asset classes, which can help make your portfolio more resilient to market fluctuations.

The Challenges of Private Equity and Risk Management

Challenges to overcome

Illiquidity and long-term investment horizon

One of the main challenges of private equity investing is the illiquidity of the investments: unlike listed equities, it can be more difficult to sell your private equity holdings quickly. It's essential to understand that private equity investment requires a long-term investment horizon, often several years. You need to be prepared to tie up your capital over this period, and to accept a higher degree of illiquidity... which we explain in detail in our article Liquidity and illiquidity: the right balance in private equity.

Risk of Capital Loss

Like all investments, private equity involves risk. The companies in which you invest may fail, resulting in partial or total loss of your capital. It's important to conduct rigorous analysis, diversify your investments and work with qualified professionals to mitigate these risks. A good understanding of potential risks and prudent management are essential for success in private equity.

Limited access and high investment requirements

Traditionally, private equity investment has been the preserve of institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. However, there are now more accessible options, such as private equity funds and crowdfunding platforms, which allow individual investors to participate in this asset class. It is important to note that private equity investment requirements are often high, and it is advisable to consult a wealth management advisor to assess your suitability for this asset class.

👉 Private equity investment offers many attractive advantages, including potentially high returns, access to unique opportunities, the possibility of active partnership and portfolio diversification. However, it is essential to understand the challenges and risks associated with this asset class, such as illiquidity and the risk of loss of capital. By working with an experienced wealth management advisor, you can develop a private equity investment strategy tailored to your objectives, risk tolerance and investment horizon. Are you ready to maximize the growth of your wealth with peace of mind thanks to private equity?

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