{"id":6960,"date":"2025-07-08T16:27:32","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T19:27:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rajahub.com.br\/?p=6960"},"modified":"2025-08-05T10:58:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T13:58:30","slug":"private-equity-investimento","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rajahub.com.br\/en\/private-equity-investimento\/","title":{"rendered":"Private Equity: What it is and how private investment in companies works\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Investing in companies is not exclusive to the stock exchange<\/strong>. There is an alternative and potentially lucrative path for putting capital into promising businesses outside the stock market<\/strong>: Private Equity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what does this term actually mean? In short, Private Equity refers to private investment in privately held companies<\/strong>, that is, companies that are not listed on a stock exchange<\/strong>. Through this type of investment, investors put money directly into established companies,  usually aiming to accelerate their growth, restructure operations, or prepare them for a future sale or initial public offering (IPO)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this complete guide, you will discover<\/strong> exactly what Private Equity is<\/strong>, understand how this type of investment works<\/strong>, how it differs from venture capital and other investment formats, what its advantages and risks<\/strong> are, and learn how to invest<\/strong> in this exclusive market. Get ready to expand your knowledge and assess whether Private Equity makes sense in your investment strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Private Equity?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Private Equity<\/strong> is a type of investment in which one acquires a stake in privately held companies,<\/strong>  private companies that do not trade shares on an exchange<\/strong>. Unlike buying shares of a publicly traded company on the B3, in Private Equity the investment is made directly and privately<\/strong>, negotiated outside the public market<\/strong>. In other words, it means investing in companies that are not available on the stock exchange<\/strong>, buying a slice of the business through a private agreement with the current owners or founders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal of Private Equity investors is to generate significant returns over the medium and long term<\/strong>, betting on the growth and appreciation of these companies. In general, the targets are companies that are already established and have high potential for expansion or performance improvement<\/strong>, but that need capital and specialized management to take the next leap. This type of investment usually takes place through specialized investment funds<\/strong>, called Equity Investment Funds (FIPs, the Brazilian fund structure for private equity)<\/strong>, which pool capital from several qualified investors<\/strong> to buy significant stakes in promising companies. (The<\/em> <\/em>Brazilian government's Investor Portal<\/em><\/a> defines a FIP as a fund intended to acquire stakes in publicly traded or privately held companies.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, Private Equity means \u201cprivate capital\u201d<\/strong>: capital from professional or institutional investors directed to companies outside the traditional stock market. By putting money into a privately held company, the Private Equity investor becomes a partner in that company for a set period, sharing in its future results. The logic is to buy a stake today<\/strong> (often a significant one) in a company that may be worth much more tomorrow<\/strong>, after receiving capital and improving its management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is worth noting that the typical Private Equity investors<\/strong> are major players in the financial market, such as investment funds<\/em>, asset managers<\/em>, family offices<\/em>, investment firms<\/em>, and even some high-net-worth individual investors<\/em>. These players provide substantial capital for the selected companies to grow, expand, or restructure. In return, they hold a significant equity stake and influence over management<\/strong>, closely following strategic decisions in order to increase the value of the business<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does Private Equity investment work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Investing through Private Equity involves a structured process<\/strong> and a long-term outlook. It usually works like this: first, a Private Equity fund<\/strong> is set up by a professional asset manager, which raises capital from interested qualified investors (wealthy individuals, pension funds, financial institutions, etc.). With this committed capital, the fund's managers search the market for high-potential companies<\/strong> that fit their investment thesis. These are typically mid-sized or large companies, already profitable or in an expansion phase<\/strong>, but whose shares are not traded on an exchange<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once an opportunity is identified, the fund carries out an in-depth analysis (due diligence)<\/strong> of the company, evaluating its finances, management, market, and legal and operational risks,  to determine whether the investment is worthwhile. If approved, the fund negotiates the purchase of a significant stake<\/strong> in the company. This can happen in several ways: sometimes the fund acquires full control<\/strong> (100% of the shares) or a majority stake<\/strong>; in other cases, it takes a meaningful minority stake<\/strong>. It all depends on the strategy and the agreement with the current partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After investing the capital, the Private Equity work is only just beginning<\/strong>. Unlike a stock market investor who simply waits for prices to rise, in Private Equity the investors (or the fund manager) take an active role in the portfolio company<\/strong>. They usually influence management<\/strong>, appointing members to the board of directors, taking part in strategic decisions, and supporting the company with know-how and networking. In many cases, the fund brings in teams of specialists to restructure operations, cut costs, professionalize management, and accelerate growth<\/strong>. The intent is clear: significantly improve the company's results and market value<\/strong> during the period in which the fund is a shareholder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Private Equity strategies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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There are different Private Equity investment strategies<\/strong>, depending on the company's situation and the fund's goals. The main ones include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buyout (full or partial acquisition)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fund buys a majority stake or 100%<\/strong> of the company, taking control of it. This allows it to implement drastic changes: it restructures the company, improves processes, trims expenses, and increases the value of the business<\/strong>. In buyouts, it is common for the fund to acquire family-owned businesses or divisions of large corporations, aiming to revitalize them and sell them at a profit<\/strong> after a few years.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth Capital (expansion capital)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In this strategy, the Private Equity fund makes a significant minority investment<\/strong> in companies that are already consolidated but need capital to expand operations, launch products, or enter new markets<\/strong>. Unlike a buyout, here the fund does not take full control, but it still provides capital and strategic guidance to drive growth<\/strong>,  with the expectation that, as it grows, the company will become far more valuable.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turnaround (restructuring distressed companies)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fund invests in companies going through serious financial or operational problems<\/strong> but with recovery potential. This is one of the boldest strategies: the investor injects capital and takes on the mission of turning things around<\/strong>, replacing management, cleaning up debt, and reorganizing the business to bring it back to profitability. If the turnaround<\/em> succeeds, the company can appreciate substantially, generating an excellent return when it is sold.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recapitalization (Recap)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In this approach, the Private Equity fund restructures the company's capital base<\/strong> and may distribute part of the accumulated profit to the partners (through extraordinary dividends or interest on equity) during the investment period. In other words, in addition to seeking long-term appreciation of the business, investors receive interim cash flows<\/strong> that return part of the invested capital early. It is a way to balance risk and return, mainly in companies that are already profitable but need financial adjustments.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geographic or sector expansion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fund helps the company expand into new regions or diversify into new market segments<\/strong>, using the invested capital for complementary acquisitions or the opening of new branches. By broadening its geographic footprint or its line of products\/services, the company can multiply its revenue and increase its market share, making it more attractive for a future sale.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the strategy adopted, all Private Equity paths converge on the same destination<\/strong>: a profitable exit from the investment<\/strong>, known as the exit<\/em>. The Private Equity fund generally holds its stake in the company for a horizon of 5 to 10 years<\/strong>, which is considered a long-term investment. During this period, the company is expected to have grown and strengthened enough for the fund to be able to realize its profit<\/strong>. The most common forms of exit<\/em> are: selling the stake to another company or fund (through M&A<\/em>,  mergers and acquisitions), or taking the company public on a stock exchange (an IPO)<\/strong> and then selling the shares on the open market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A practical example: in 2013, the technology giant Dell<\/strong> was acquired by a consortium led by founder Michael Dell and a Private Equity fund, going private in order to undergo restructuring; a few years later, the company returned to the market at a much higher valuation. In Brazil, there are notable cases such as Natura<\/strong> and Dasa<\/strong>, which received investments from Private Equity funds to expand their businesses and later carried out IPOs on the B3. Another success story is XP Investimentos<\/strong>, which in 2010 received an investment from a private fund, accelerated its growth, and years later went public on the Nasdaq, generating substantial gains for its early investors. These examples illustrate how Private Equity, when well executed, creates value for both the company and the investor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences between Private Equity and Venture Capital<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A common question is Private Equity vs. Venture Capital,<\/strong>  after all, both involve investing in unlisted companies. However, the two have quite distinct focuses and dynamics. Put simply, the difference lies mainly in the stage of the target companies, the risk taken on, and the size of the investments<\/strong>. Here are the main contrasts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company stage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Venture Capital<\/strong> focuses on startups and emerging companies<\/strong> at an early stage, often pre-operational or just beginning to generate revenue. These are innovative businesses, but still unproven<\/strong> and high-risk. Private Equity<\/strong>, on the other hand, targets more mature companies<\/strong> that already have significant revenue and a consolidated business model, even though they are not on the stock exchange. In other words, venture capital is investment in startups<\/strong> (investing in startups)<\/a> in the early growth phase, while private equity comes in at a later stage<\/strong>, when the company is already established and seeking expansion or restructuring.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risk and return potential<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because it deals with fledgling companies, Venture Capital involves much greater risks,<\/strong>  the chance of the startup failing is high, but, in exchange, the returns can be extraordinary<\/strong> if one of them becomes the next unicorn. In Private Equity<\/strong>, the risk is relatively lower<\/strong>, since the portfolio companies already have defined operations and markets. This does not mean it is a safe investment (the company may face crises or poor management), but the foundations are more solid than in venture capital. The expected returns in Private Equity<\/strong> are still high, but more predictable or grounded<\/strong> in improvement plans, unlike venture capital, which bets on explosive growth.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment size and stake acquired<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Venture Capital, the amounts invested tend to be smaller per company<\/strong> (especially in Seed<\/em> or Series A<\/em> rounds), and the investor generally acquires a minority stake<\/strong> (for example, 10% to 30% of the startup), enough to support it without taking control. In Private Equity, the checks are much larger,<\/strong>  they can reach hundreds of millions, and the fund often seeks to buy control or a majority stake<\/strong> in the company. As a result, Private Equity investors gain direct influence over management<\/strong>, unlike VCs, who generally act as minority advisors.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment horizon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both are medium- to long-term investments, but venture capital may seek faster exits<\/strong> in some cases (if the startup takes off within a few years). In Private Equity, the maturation period tends to be somewhat longer (5-10 years)<\/strong>, since it involves implementing deep changes in the portfolio company before reaping the rewards. Even so, it is not unusual for startups to remain in venture capital portfolios for nearly a decade; it all depends on market conditions.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Private Equity landscape in Brazil and worldwide<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What is the Private Equity market like today? In recent years, the Private Equity segment in Brazil has gone through ups and downs<\/strong>, influenced by economic conditions and market cycles. Data from the Brazilian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (ABVCAP)<\/em> show that 2024 was a challenging year for Private Equity funds in Brazil<\/strong>: there was a decrease in the volume of investments made compared to previous years. Estimates indicate that, over the whole of 2024, investments totaled around R$20 billion<\/strong>, a level below the pre-pandemic record. In the first quarter of 2024, for example, investments added up to approximately R$6.5 billion<\/strong>, representing a drop of more than 30% compared to the same period of the previous year. This retraction reflected investor caution in the face of high interest rates and economic instability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the horizon began to change. In 2025, signs of recovery are already visible.<\/strong> In the first quarter of 2025, the volume of Private Equity deals grew by around 40% globally<\/strong> compared to the beginning of 2024, indicating a return of appetite for new deals. Internationally, the sector moved impressive figures: in 2024 alone, buyouts<\/em> (leveraged acquisitions, typical of Private Equity) reached approximately US$600 billion in transactions worldwide<\/strong>, marking significant growth over 2023. This warming abroad points to a more optimistic scenario, since with the prospect of gradual interest rate cuts in key economies<\/strong>, a busy end of 2025 and 2026 in terms of IPOs and mergers\/acquisitions is expected,<\/strong>  factors that favor fund exits<\/em>. For Brazil, the expectation is that the global improvement will spill over into the local market, unlocking deals that had been held back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another relevant aspect of the current landscape is the sectors in the spotlight<\/strong>. Recently, Private Equity funds have been directing their focus to more resilient and less volatile<\/strong> areas, such as infrastructure, healthcare, and agribusiness<\/strong>, which show steady demand even in times of crisis. This does not mean abandoning traditional sectors (retail, education, financial services), but rather diversifying to balance risks. In addition, there is greater selectivity and diligence<\/strong> in the choices: funds are more demanding when evaluating companies, seeking attractive entry prices and realistic growth plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the main players<\/strong>, the Brazilian Private Equity market has renowned and experienced asset managers. Among the largest are P\u00e1tria Investimentos, Vinci Partners, BTG Pactual, Kinea, and IG4 Capital<\/strong>, among others, which together lead a good share of the major deals here. These firms manage several funds and have already invested in companies ranging from education and healthcare to retail and energy. Globally<\/strong>, some heavyweight names dominate the sector, such as Blackstone, KKR, Carlyle, Apollo Global, and Silver Lake<\/strong>,  giants that manage hundreds of billions of dollars and close multibillion-dollar transactions around the world. The presence of these major players brings know-how and liquidity<\/strong> to the market, and Brazilian funds often co-invest alongside global ones in deals here. For the qualified investor, following the moves of these players helps in understanding where the smart money is going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, the current Private Equity landscape shows a market in recovery<\/strong> after challenging years. There is plenty of committed capital (\u201cdry powder\u201d) waiting for the right opportunities<\/strong>,  it is estimated that Private Equity funds in Brazil recently had tens of billions of reais in available cash, ready to invest as conditions improve. With the gradual return of IPOs and greater economic stability, Private Equity tends to gain momentum, continuing to play a vital role in the growth of Brazilian companies and in generating value for investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages of investing in Private Equity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Investing in Private Equity can bring unique benefits<\/strong> to those with the right profile. Among the main advantages of this type of investment<\/strong>, the following stand out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High return potential<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Private Equity offers the possibility of above-average returns<\/strong> compared to the traditional market. By buying stakes in companies before they appreciate (for example, before an IPO or a major expansion), the investor reaps the rewards of that growth. Even when investing in businesses more mature than startups, Private Equity funds tend to achieve substantial profits<\/strong> when they manage to improve and sell their portfolio companies. It is a way of capturing value that would not be accessible through conventional public investments.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Influence and smart money<\/em> in management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike investing in shares on the stock exchange, where the minority investor has little influence over the company, in Private Equity the investors (through the fund) have an active voice in management<\/strong>. This means that, beyond the money, they add strategic expertise, contacts, and mentoring<\/strong> to the business. This active participation in decision-making<\/strong> helps steer the company onto the path of growth and efficiency. For the investor, it is rewarding to be able to contribute directly to the appreciation of the asset<\/strong>, closely following the evolution of the portfolio company.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access to exclusive opportunities (pre-IPO)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Private Equity allows investing in companies before they go public<\/strong>. That is, the investor can get in \u201cat the beginning of the movie\u201d and potentially exit near the \u201cclimax,\u201d which is often the initial public offering. Taking part in a company's pre-IPO<\/strong> growth can generate significant gains when it finally goes public at a much higher price. In short, it means getting ahead of the market<\/strong>, securing a slice of promising businesses that ordinary investors will only be able to buy later, once they have already appreciated.
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Portfolio diversification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Including Private Equity in a portfolio is a way to diversify investments<\/strong> beyond traditional assets (listed stocks, fixed income, real estate). This diversification can improve the risk-return ratio of a large investor's portfolio, as it exposes capital to real-economy assets<\/strong> with their own dynamics, independent of the stock exchange's daily volatility<\/strong>. Over long horizons, Private Equity can work as a \u201cspice\u201d in the portfolio,  a smaller percentage, but with a potentially large impact on overall performance, balancing the stability of other investments.
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Value creation through operational improvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While many investments depend solely on market conditions to appreciate, in Private Equity the appreciation also comes from the managers' work inside the company<\/strong>. This means there are multiple levers for value creation,<\/strong>  revenue growth, efficiency gains, professionalization, strategic acquisitions, etc.,  all driven by the fund. When successful, this process results in much stronger and more profitable companies<\/strong>, benefiting not only investors but also the economy (with growth, job creation, and innovation).
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, for those with the right profile (capital, risk tolerance, and a long horizon), Private Equity can provide substantial gains and unique opportunities<\/strong>. Beyond the financial return, many investors see value in actively participating in building successful companies<\/strong>, which makes this investment not only profitable but also intellectually appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risks and disadvantages of Private Equity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite its attractions, it is crucial to be clear that Private Equity is no guaranteed \u201cpot of gold\u201d<\/strong>. There are significant risks and downsides that the investor should consider before venturing into this market. Among the main risks and disadvantages of Private Equity<\/strong>, we can list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low liquidity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Private Equity investments are, by nature, illiquid assets<\/strong>. Unlike a stock on the exchange that you can sell on any given day, a stake in a Private Equity fund remains \u201clocked\u201d until an exit event occurs (sale of the portfolio company or IPO). This means the invested capital will be tied up for several years (usually 5 to 10 years)<\/strong>. There is no way to redeem the money midway without incurring steep discounts (where a secondary market exists, it is limited). Therefore, anyone who invests needs to be comfortable giving up liquidity<\/strong> in the short and medium term.
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Long timeline and unpredictability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Besides being illiquid, Private Equity requires patience<\/strong>. Returns, if they come, take time to materialize<\/strong>. It can take half a decade or more for a fund to complete its investment and divestment cycle. If the investor is looking for quick returns or has short-term financial goals, this type of investment is not suitable. And even with a long horizon, there is no guarantee of success<\/strong>,  some investments may not prosper as expected and end up extending the timeline or reducing the final return.
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High minimum investment and exclusivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Brazil, this market is restricted to qualified investors<\/strong>, under the rules of the CVM (Brazil's securities regulator). This means that, in general, only those with more than R$1 million in investments<\/strong> (or specific financial certifications) can directly access Private Equity funds. In addition, minimum entry amounts tend to be extremely high<\/strong>, often in the millions of reais per fund. In practice, this excludes the ordinary retail investor<\/strong>. Even those who meet the qualification criteria must be willing to concentrate a large sum in a single fund. This entry barrier makes Private Equity a very closed club,  a disadvantage for most people, although it is a risk safeguard for those who cannot commit to such amounts.
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Complexity and lower transparency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Evaluating and monitoring private investments is more complex<\/strong> than following public assets. Information on the portfolio companies is not always public or easy to obtain<\/strong>, depending on the fund's policy. An investor in a PE fund receives periodic reports, but does not have the transparent day-to-day view of a listed company that publishes quarterly statements and material facts. Moreover, measuring the value<\/strong> of the investment along the way is complicated,  the result is usually only known precisely at the time of sale. This lower transparency<\/strong> and difficulty of valuation may bother investors used to marking their positions to market daily.
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Operational and execution risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although the target companies are more mature than startups, this does not eliminate considerable risks<\/strong>. The success of the investment depends on effective execution of the improvement plan<\/strong>. If the fund's management fails<\/strong> to implement the changes, or if the company faces adverse events (economic crises, regulatory changes, loss of market share to competitors), the investment may not yield what was expected,  or worse, it may result in losses. In addition, there is market risk<\/strong>: conditions at the time of exit may be unfavorable (for example, a stock market crash that disrupts IPOs), forcing the fund to postpone the sale and extend the investment.
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High costs and fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Investing through Private Equity funds involves considerable costs<\/strong>. Managers normally charge the famous \u201c2\/20\u201d<\/em> structure,  an annual management fee of around 2% of committed capital<\/strong> plus a 20% performance fee<\/strong> on the profits earned (above a benchmark). These fees can significantly reduce the net return<\/strong> for the investor, especially if performance is not stellar. There are also the fund's operating costs. In short, the investor pays dearly for the manager's expertise,  which is only worthwhile if the results are truly outstanding.
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In summary, Private Equity carries risks proportional to its return potential<\/strong>. It is not a trivial investment: it requires tied-up capital, a stomach for risk, and long-term trust in the chosen manager. It is essential that the interested investor understands these downsides well<\/strong> and assesses whether they fit their profile. For many, the low liquidity and high ticket size are already deal-breakers. For others, they may be surmountable obstacles given the promise of substantial gains. The key is to go in aware that, in Private Equity, the risk-return ratio is high<\/strong>,  both success and failure tend to come in considerable magnitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to invest in Private Equity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After learning how it works and its advantages and risks, the question arises: how can an investor access the Private Equity market in practice?<\/strong> In Brazil, investing in Private Equity usually happens through a few specific channels, given the regulatory and capital requirements<\/strong> involved. Here are the main points for those wishing to enter this type of investment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who can invest?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

End goal and exit strategy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In venture capital, the goal is to multiply capital<\/strong> by identifying the next great technology or innovation company; the return often comes when the startup is sold to a larger company or goes public. In Private Equity, the goal is to improve good companies to make them excellent<\/strong> in terms of efficiency and profitability, later selling them for a higher value. In both cases, there is a pursuit of significant returns<\/strong>, but the path to get there is different<\/strong>: VC bets on the company's disruptive potential<\/strong>, while PE bets on the management and improvement<\/strong> of already proven companies.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, Private Equity and Venture Capital complement each other in the investment ecosystem<\/strong>. While venture capital fuels the birth and growth of new companies<\/strong> (especially technology startups)  Venture Capital<\/a> is literally the fuel for startups, Private Equity comes onto the scene later<\/strong>, to supercharge companies already at scale<\/strong> or unlock value in dormant businesses. Both provide capital and expertise, but in very different contexts of risk and maturity. It is important to note that many of the large funds and asset managers operate on both fronts, with VC and Private Equity arms, given the strategic importance of each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n