The companies they buy
Private equity firms largely buy mature, established companies. These might not be generating enough profits or are regressing, and they are bought in order to increase their revenues. On the other hand, venture capital firms put their money into startups that demonstrate high growth potential. While PE firms buy companies across all industries, VC firms are focused on technology, biotech, and clean tech investments.
Percentage acquired
PE firms nearly always buy 100 percent of a company, while VC firms acquire only a minority stake or less than 50 percent. While the former seeks to have total control of the firm after a buyout, the latter usually prefers to spread out risk and invest in different entities.
Amount of investment
PE firms invest at least $100 million in a single company. Venture capitalists, on the other hand, spend $10 million or less in each company, since they largely deal with startups with less predictable chances of success.
Focus
PE firms don’t maintain ownership for the long term, instead preparing for a level of exit strategy after a few years. They seek to improved upon an acquired business and sell it for a profit afterwards. Venture capitalists get involved in businesses’ earliest stages of operation, and it’s often the startup capital they provide that offers new businesses the means to become appealing to private equity buyers.
People
PE firms tend to attract former investment bankers, while VC firms obtain a more diverse mix such as product managers, bankers, consultants, and former entrepreneurs.
Scott Tominaga is PartnersAdmin LLC's Chief Operating Officer with over 17 years in the financial services industry. Read more about the finance industry on this page.
