Private capital refers to investments in companies or assets that are not publicly traded, such as private equity, venture capital, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure. Instead of buying shares on public exchanges, investors put their money directly into companies or assets. Private capital provides businesses with flexible financing, while offering investors potential for high returns with less liquidity compared to public investments.

The Evolution of Private Capital

The growth of private capital can be traced to the rise of private equity in the 1980s. Over time, new strategies such as venture capital, infrastructure, and private credit emerged, particularly following the 2008 financial crisis. Institutions and individual investors began to seek more diversified, less correlated options compared to public markets.

Today, private capital continues to expand, supported by increasing allocations from institutional investors, family offices, and accredited individuals. This steady growth has made private capital a central part of global investment portfolios.

How Private Capital Funds Work

Most private capital investments are managed through structured investment vehicles designed to pool capital from multiple investors. These vehicles can be established as limited partnerships (LPs), limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, or other entities, depending on the jurisdiction, strategy, and tax considerations.

Private capital funds may operate as either closed-end (with a defined investment and realization period) or open-end (allowing periodic subscriptions and redemptions) structures. Regardless of form, they generally follow a similar governance model with two primary roles:

• General Partner (GP): The fund manager responsible for raising capital, sourcing deals, executing investments, and managing the portfolio.
• Limited Partners (LPs): Investors who commit capital but do not take part in day-to-day management. LPs include institutional investors and wealthy individuals. Their liability is limited to the amount of capital they commit.

The lifecycle of a private capital fund generally includes:

1. Fundraising: Investors commit capital to the fund.
2. Investment Period: The GP identifies and executes investments.
3. Management: Active oversight, operational improvements, or value creation strategies.
4. Exit: Investments are sold, refinanced, or matured to generate returns.
5. Distribution: Profits are distributed back to LPs after fees.

Private Capital Strategies

Private capital includes a range of strategies suited to different investment goals.

• Direct Lending: Loans provided directly to private companies, bypassing traditional intermediaries like banks.
• Venture Capital: Funding start-ups and early-stage businesses with high growth potential.
• Distressed Debt: Investing in the debt of companies that are in financial distress or bankruptcy, with the goal of a profitable resolution.
• Real Estate: Investing in properties, which can include development, redevelopment, or financing for property owners.
• Infrastructure: Financing large-scale projects such as energy, transportation, or utilities.

What is Real Estate Private Credit?

Real estate private credit is a form of financing where non-bank lenders, such as specialized funds and investors, provide loans for property projects. Unlike a traditional bank loan, this type of credit offers a more flexible and faster way to get capital for real estate deals. These loans are secured by real estate, which helps reduce risk for investors.

Key Characteristics and Structures:

• Capital Stack Positions: Private credit can include senior debt (first-lien position), mezzanine debt (which combines features of debt and equity), and hybrid instruments.
• Common Financing Structures: Financing for new construction, bridge loans for acquisitions or transitional properties, and financing for distressed properties.
• Underlying Assets: The loans are secured by real estate, with the property acting as collateral. For the lender, this provides collateral backing to mitigate risk.
• Return Profile: Private credit investments can offer higher yields to investors compared to traditional fixed-income products. Returns are primarily generated through interest payments and fees.
• Investment Access: Historically dominated by institutional investors like pension funds and family offices, access has expanded through vehicles like private debt funds and crowdfunding platforms for accredited investors. 

What Does This Mean for Investors?

For investors, private credit offers a way to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds. It provides access to:

• Steady income: Returns are generated through consistent interest payments.
• Unique opportunities: It allows investment in specialized deals that banks often avoid.
• Alignment of interests: Lenders, borrowers, and investors share aligned goals.

By filling the financing gaps left by traditional banks, private credit makes the real estate market more efficient while offering investors a new avenue for growth.

The Growing Importance of Private Capital

Market data shows that private capital has become a permanent fixture in global finance. Large institutions, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals continue to increase allocations, attracted by opportunities for diversification, growth, and stable returns.

At the same time, businesses and property owners benefit from faster, more flexible access to financing than traditional banks can provide. This dual role makes private capital essential for both sides of the market.

Discover How Private Capital Fits Your Portfolio

Private capital is a diverse and growing segment of finance that provides investment opportunities outside of public markets. With strategies ranging from equity to real estate credit, it serves as both a funding solution and an investment tool. Real estate private credit, including bridge loans and bespoke lending solutions, is a particularly important area where investors can find collateral-backed opportunities that combine flexibility with potential returns.

Investors seeking access to private credit opportunities can explore tailored strategies designed to deliver value and transparency. To learn more about current offerings, visit Red Tower Capital’s investment page and discover how real estate private credit can become part of your portfolio.