What is private equity financing?

  • KVK Editors
  • Background
  • 15 December 2022
  • Edited 23 December 2025
  • 1 min
  • Managing and growing
  • Finance

Private equity firms are a regular feature in newspaper headlines. But what is private equity, exactly? ‘Private equity’ is simply private money. The term is also used for investors who finance businesses outside the stock market. They do so alone or through a fund.

How does private equity work?

Private equity financiers buy shares in a company. This puts money into the company. The shares may become worth more or less. That risk is for the financier because they are shareholders. Examples of private equity financing are business angels, venture capital, a seed business angel fund, private equity firms and regional development companies.

Involvement

With private equity, your company does not just get money. Private equity funds and investment funds use their network, knowledge, and entrepreneurial experience to grow your business. In exchange for the shares, the investor gets a say in your company.

Reward for investors

A private equity investor or private equity fund wants to grow your company so that it becomes more valuable. After a few years, the investor sells the shares for a higher amount. This is the earnings model for private equity.

When does private equity provide opportunities?

Private equity is an option in the following cases:

  • The start of innovative businesses with a relatively high risk (start-ups)
  • Growth of non-listed businesses, for example through a takeover/acquisition or internationalisation
  • Management Buy Out (MBO): the current management buys the business, or a portion of the company becomes independent
  • Management Buy In (MBI): new management from outside the business buys the business
  • Bridge financing
  • Business sale

Are you looking for a suitable type of financing? Use the financing flowchart. 

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