How Qualified Investors Access Private Equity: A Practical Guide to Today’s Entry Points
Behind many billion-dollar success stories is a private equity firm that got there first—quietly, strategically, and well before the headlines. Private equity isn’t about chasing quick wins. It’s where long-term vision meets hands-on business building, and where disciplined investors go when they want more than just stock market exposure.
Most investors know the rhythm of the stock market: the highs, the dips, the news-driven swings. But what if your capital could do more than ride waves? What if it could help build the next industry leader, shape a company’s future, and share in the growth along the way? That’s the promise of private equity. It rewards patience, insight, and selectivity. And for properly qualified investors, it's increasingly within reach.
At Emerald Asset Management, we offer a thoughtfully curated lineup of private equity strategies designed for qualified clients. These strategies provide access to companies and opportunities beyond the public markets—across a wide range of sectors and deal types.
Understanding the Private Equity Lifecycle: From Startup to Buyout
Private equity follows a natural arc, one that mirrors the growth of a business. It begins with angel and venture capital, where investors back promising ideas before they've been fully proven. This is the realm of innovation and risk-taking. If a startup gains traction and achieves product-market fit, it may attract growth equity—capital designed to help scale operations, invest in infrastructure, expand into new markets, and deepen the executive bench.
Growth equity sits between early-stage venture and mature buyouts, often focused on accelerating businesses that already have momentum but need capital to reach their next milestone. Then comes the buyout stage, where mature companies are acquired (often with control), optimized, and eventually sold for profit. Each stage offers a different return profile and risk exposure, but all share the goal of long-term value creation.
Private Equity Entry Points for High-Net-Worth Investors
Qualified investors today have more ways than ever to participate in private equity. It's no longer necessary to commit tens of millions to a single blind pool. Instead, investors can engage with institutional-quality strategies through specialized funds and platforms, including co-investments, secondaries, and GP stakes, each offering distinct advantages and risk profiles.
Accessing Direct Deals Through Co-Investments
Co-investing offers qualified investors the opportunity to participate directly in a specific private equity deal alongside an experienced manager. Rather than investing in a broad fund, you choose a particular opportunity that aligns with your goals. Co-investments often come with lower fees and greater transparency, but they also require a higher level of investor diligence and selectivity.
Adding Liquidity with Secondary Investments
Secondaries bring liquidity and flexibility to a traditionally illiquid space. Here, investors buy interests in existing private equity funds or companies from earlier backers who want out. These assets are often more mature, and the timelines to realization are shorter. For buyers, it’s a chance to step in midway through a company’s growth story—often at a discount.
Unlocking Value with Continuation Funds
GP-led secondaries, or continuation funds, let firms hold on to high-performing companies beyond a traditional fund's life cycle. They offer new investors access to proven assets and allow existing investors to exit or roll over. These structures are increasingly used to manage mature but still promising holdings.
Investing in Private Equity Firms with GP Stakes
GP stakes strategies go a step further—offering ownership in the private equity firms themselves. This means sharing in management fees, carried interest, and long-term growth. It’s a way to invest not just in the companies being bought, but in the business of private equity itself.
Helping You Access and Understand Private Equity
Private equity is about more than just returns; it’s about building something lasting. For investors seeking meaningful diversification, attractive long-term potential, and a deeper connection to value creation, private equity offers a compelling path. At Emerald Asset Management, we’re here to help qualified investors navigate this private equity with strategic access, grounded insight, and decades of investment experience.
Emerald Asset Management is an independent, boutique Registered Investment Advisory firm based in Rocky Mount, NC, serving successful executives, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals across Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. As a fiduciary-led firm with over 30 years of experience, Emerald provides research-driven investment management and strategic financial planning. The firm specializes in individually managed stock and bond portfolios, alternative investments, and risk management strategies. With a disciplined approach and a commitment to clarity, Emerald helps clients navigate complex financial decisions with confidence. They can be reached at (252) 443-7616 or on the web at www.emeraldam.com.
The information presented is based on sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of publication. This material is for educational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of the author, presenter, or affiliated organizations. It should not be construed as investment, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation before making any decisions.
Emerald Asset Management is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Emerald Asset Management's investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, which is available upon request.
