Private equity (PE) is a type of investment in which high net worth individuals and institutions pool their funds to invest in privately held companies. Private equity firms raise funds from investors and use that capital to invest in companies, with the goal of generating a return on investment.

Fundraising is a critical part of the private equity industry, as private equity firms rely on investors to provide the capital they need to make investments. Here are some key things to know about private equity fundraising:

1. The fundraising process: Private equity fundraising typically involves a multi-step process. First, the private equity firm will identify potential investors and reach out to them to gauge their interest. If an investor is interested, they will typically undergo a due diligence process to evaluate the private equity firm’s track record, investment strategy, and team. If both parties agree to move forward, the investor will commit to investing a certain amount of capital over a specified period.

2. Fund sizes: Private equity funds can range in size from a few million dollars to billions of dollars. The size of the fund will depend on the private equity firm’s investment strategy and the types of companies they plan to invest in.

3. Investor types: Private equity investors can include high net worth individuals, pension funds, endowments, and other institutional investors. These investors are typically looking for high returns on their investment, but they are also willing to take on more risk than traditional investors.

4. Fund terms: Private equity funds typically have a 10-year lifespan, with the option to extend for another two years. During this time, the private equity firm will invest the capital raised and work to improve the performance of the companies in which they invest. At the end of the fund’s life, the private equity firm will sell their investments and distribute the proceeds to investors.

5. Performance metrics: Private equity firms are typically evaluated based on their performance metrics, such as internal rate of return (IRR) and multiple on invested capital (MOIC). These metrics help investors evaluate the private equity firm’s track record and determine if they are generating the returns they promised.

In conclusion, fundraising is a critical part of the private equity industry, as private equity firms rely on investors to provide the capital they need to invest in companies. Private equity fundraising involves a multi-step process, and private equity funds can range in size from a few million dollars to billions of dollars. Private equity investors are typically looking for high returns on their investment and are willing to take on more risk than traditional investors. Private equity firms are evaluated based on performance metrics such as IRR and MOIC.