The Road to Private Equity: A Guide for Retail Investors

Private equity (PE) has long been a domain reserved for the ultra-wealthy and institutional investors. However, recent developments have democratized access, allowing retail investors to tap into these potentially lucrative markets. This blog post explores the avenues open to retail investors seeking entry into the private equity world, ensuring you have the knowledge to navigate this complex landscape.

Understanding Private Equity

Private equity refers to investments in private companies, or in public companies with the intention of taking them private. These investments are known for their potential to yield high returns, albeit with higher risk and longer investment horizons compared to public equity markets.

Why Consider Private Equity?

Diversification: Adding PE to your portfolio can offer diversification benefits, potentially improving your risk-reward profile.
Potential for Higher Returns: PE investments often aim for higher returns than those typically available through public markets.
Access to a Wider Market: Investing in private equity provides exposure to a broad spectrum of companies not available on public exchanges.

Avenues for Retail Investors

Gone are the days when private equity was out of reach for the average investor. Here are several paths through which retail investors can gain exposure to private equity:

Specialized ETFs and Mutual Funds

Some ETFs and mutual funds focus on private equity by investing in publicly traded private equity companies or pools of private equity investments. This approach offers liquidity and simplicity, making it an attractive option for investors new to private equity. Here are just a couple options:

Invesco Global Listed Private Equity Portfolio (NYSEARCA: PSP): This ETF is one of the most visible in the private equity market, with over $230 million in assets under management as of July 2023. Its top holding includes Blackstone Ltd., the world's largest private equity investment company. The fund has a dividend yield of 2.61% and an expense ratio of 1.34%.
ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX): Tracking companies on the LPX Direct Listed Private Equity Index, PEX has a significant dividend yield, which has been near 10% in recent years, settling around 6.5% more recently. The expense ratio stands at 2.81%.

Publicly Traded Private Equity Firms

Some private equity firms are publicly traded on stock exchanges. Retail investors can buy shares of these companies, thereby indirectly investing in the private equity deals that these firms engage in. This method offers liquidity and accessibility but also exposes investors to the market volatility of the public equity markets. Here are 5 of those firms:

Blackstone (New York): A leading investment firm with a broad portfolio of investments across real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, and more. In 2023, Blackstone raised an impressive $125.6 billion over the past five years, marking it as a top player in the field.
KKR (New York): Known for its significant contributions to the private equity space, KKR has managed to raise $103.7 billion, positioning itself as a key player in the industry.
Apollo Global Management (New York): With a focus on credit, Apollo Global Management stands out for its strategic investments and has an Assets Under Management (AUM) of $523 billion, showcasing its robust position in the market.
The Carlyle Group (Washington DC): A global investment firm with a diverse portfolio, The Carlyle Group has raised substantial capital, evidencing its significant impact on the private equity landscape.
EQT (Stockholm): As a major private equity firm based in Europe, EQT has surpassed the $100 billion mark in capital raised, highlighting its influence and reach in the market.

Online Investment Platforms

Platforms such as Moonfare, Yieldstreet, and others bridge the gap between retail investors and private equity opportunities. These platforms offer a variety of investment options but may have high minimums or you may need to be an accredited investor or a qualified purchaser.

Equity Crowdfunding Sites

Equity crowdfunding platforms allow investors to buy shares in private companies. Sites like AngelList, Wefunder, and StartEngine are notable players in this space, offering retail investors a piece of the action in startup funding.

Risks and Considerations

Investing in private equity is not without its challenges and risks:

Illiquidity: Private equity investments typically have long lock-up periods, making it difficult to access your funds.
Higher Risk: The potential for higher returns comes with increased risk, including the risk of losing your entire investment.
Due Diligence: Conducting thorough due diligence on potential investments is crucial, as information may be less readily available than for public companies.

Conclusion

The democratization of private equity investing has opened new doors for retail investors, offering exciting opportunities previously reserved for the wealthy. By leveraging online platforms, crowdfunding sites, and specialized investment products, retail investors can now explore the diverse and dynamic world of private equity. However, it's essential to approach these investments with caution, recognizing the associated risks and conducting thorough research before diving in.

As the landscape of private equity continues to evolve, staying informed and prudent in your investment choices will be key to navigating this promising but complex market.