Business Investing 101: Private Equity Vs Venture Capital

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Are you looking for options to boost your company’s finances? Alternative funding can be the answer you’re looking for.

Alternative business funding options include private equity and venture capital investments. While these choices may seem similar, they are actually quite different. This article will help you choose between private equity vs venture capital funding for your business.

Private Equity Investment

Private equity involves investing in both private and publicly traded companies as well as in helping a company to go public; a private equity investment firm’s most common exit strategy out. Investors will privately fund businesses in the form of shares, which will represent a level of ownership. 

Benefits of private equity investment:

  • You can receive large amounts of funding. Private equity firms held $3.9 trillion worth of assets in 2019.
  • The investors are relatively more involved in your company through private equity investments. Their expertise can, therefore, help you make decisions that benefit the company.

Drawbacks of private equity investment:

  • When you sell shares, you will lose some level of ownership over your company. Investors will have more say in decisions, and this can cause a degree of dissatisfaction for you.
  • The phrase ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’ applies here. With too many people getting involved in a company, there is a possibility of disagreements and mismanagement.

Venture Capital Investment

Venture capital investments support startups or small businesses. This is an important distinction between private equity vs venture capital because PE investors mainly support more mature businesses. Venture capital investors finance growing businesses when they believe in the potential success of their operations.

Benefits of venture capital investment:

  • Even though the amount of funding may not reach the same level as a PE firm, a venture capital investment gives your business a good chance to grow.
  • Investors can also help by enhancing your publicity or providing you with advice. This is because they want your business to succeed as much as you do. 

Drawbacks of venture capital investment:

  • Finding investors can be tough. The risks of investing in a small business are high, and not everyone will want to deal with that risk. You may have to spend a considerable amount of time locating funds this way.
  • Before investors agree to fund you, they will perform extensive due diligence. This can be time-consuming, spanning for a few months, and will involve a lot of scrutiny over your business dealings.

While venture capital investments can be a promising source of funding, this is not always a reliable alternative. For some businesses, reducing internal costs can do more to improve their finances. 

Private Equity vs Venture Capital

Private equity vs venture capital investments cover different sorts of companies and face unique issues, but they are also promising. They can provide you with the finances and expertise you need to see your business succeed. If you are ever in need of alternative funding sources, these forms of investment will be a good place to look.

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