27. Growth Equity Funds: Unlocking Value for Both Innovators and Investors

Young enterprises seeking capital often have a choice among various sources – from business angels to government grants to private equity. The picture changes when companies have reached a phase where they have grown and plan to expand organically (e.g., grow into new markets) or inorganically (through acquisitions), which also means facing new challenges. Then, financing tends to be much more difficult to come by – despite the fact that growth-stage investing can be particularly rewarding. Specialized growth equity funds fill this gap. In addition to organizing the capital so urgently needed by growth-stage companies, they work closely with management teams to further develop their business. Leveraging their expertise and contact network, they make decisive contributions to ensuring that the value creation potential is captured, and growth is put on a solid footing. Management receives practical support and investors benefit from high returns with an attractive risk profile.