What is Private Equity?

Private equity refers to investment in a private company or a portfolio of private companies by a private equity firm. Private equity firms raise funds from institutional investors, such as pensioners and endowments, and use those funds to acquire controlling stakes in private companies. Private equity firms may also invest in public companies by taking them private, a process known as a leveraged buyout.

Private equity firms focus on improving the operations and financial performance of the companies they acquire through a variety of means, including restructuring, improving efficiency, and expanding into new markets. Private equity firms may also seek to exit their investments through a sale of the company or an initial public offering.

Private equity has become an increasingly important source of financing for companies, particularly in the latter stages of their development. When they may not have access to public markets or may not want to incur the costs and regulatory burdens associated with going public. Private equity can also provide companies with access to the expertise and resources of the private equity firm

What is Venture Capital?                                                                              

Venture capital is a form of private equity that is focused on providing financing to early-stage and growth-stage companies with the potential for high growth. Venture capital firms invest in companies that are developing and commercializing innovative products or technologies and looking to scale up their operations.

Most of the time, venture capital firms are actively involved in the businesses they invest in, offering financial support, access to their networks, and strategic advice. Venture capitalists serve on the board of directors of the companies they invest in and may work closely with the management team to help shape the company’s direction.

Startups and other high-growth businesses that might not have access to more conventional funding sources, such as bank loans or the public markets, can benefit greatly from venture capital. Venture capital can help these companies to finance their operations, hire talent, and bring their products or services to market. In exchange for the capital and support provided by venture capitalists, companies give up a portion of their equity to the venture capital firm.

Difference Between Private Equity and Venture Capital

1. Private equity firms invest in mature, established companies, while venture capital firms invest in early-stage or growth-stage companies.
2. Private equity firms tend to focus on companies with stable, established business models, whereas venture capital firms invest in companies with innovative products or technologies.
3. Private equity firms take a more passive approach to their investments, whereas venture capital firms tend to be more hands-on and take an active role.
4. Private equity firms have a longer investment horizon, whereas venture capital firms have a narrower investment horizon.
5. Private equity firms are relatively less risky, whereas venture capital firms are thought to be riskier.

Comparison Table Between Private Equity and Venture Capital

References

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1468-5957.00201
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378426614002386