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How Do I Find Private Equity Firms Accepting New Investors?
Martin Signer answers:
Finding PE firms that are accepting new investors takes some legwork, but here are the main approaches:
1. Start with Your Network
PE is relationship-driven. Warm introductions from lawyers, accountants, wealth managers, or other investors carry far more weight than cold outreach. If you're not already in those circles, building those connections is step one.
2. Use PE-Focused Databases & Platforms
- PitchBook / Preqin — Institutional-grade databases with fund status, fundraising timelines, and contact info. Expensive, but some advisors give you access.
- Moonfare / Titanbay / iCapital — Platforms that aggregate and democratize access to PE funds, often with lower minimums (~$10K–$100K vs. traditional $1M+).
- Fundrise / EquityMultiple — For real-estate-focused PE at even lower minimums.
3. Check If You Qualify (This Matters First)
Most PE funds legally require investors to be:
- Accredited investor — $200K+ income or $1M+ net worth (excluding primary residence)
- Qualified purchaser — $5M+ in investments (for many top-tier funds)
- Some funds in the EU/CH require professional investor status under MiFID II
4. Look at Fund Vintages & Fundraising Cycles
PE funds raise capital during a specific undraising window (typically 12–24 months), then close. Ways to find open funds:
- Check SEC EDGAR (Form D filings) for US funds actively raising
- Read Bloomberg, Private Equity International (PEI), or Buyouts Insider for fundraising news
- Follow firm press releases — they often announce fund launches
5. Attend Industry Events
- SuperReturn, IPEM, Private Equity World are major conferences where GPs actively seek LPs
- Local CFA Society or family office forums often have PE panels
6. Go Through a Fund of Funds
If you can't meet minimums or lack access, a fund of funds (e.g., HarbourVest, Pantheon) pools capital to invest across multiple PE funds — lower barrier, more diversification, but an extra fee layer.
7. Contact Firms Directly
Look for firms in their fundraising phase via LinkedIn or their websites. Mid-market and lower-middle-market funds are often more accessible than mega-funds like Blackstone or KKR.
Practical Tips
| If you have... | Best path |
|---|---|
| < $50K | Moonfare, iCapital, Fundrise |
| $50K–$500K | Fund of funds, feeder funds |
| $500K–$2M | Direct LP via placement agents |
| $2M+ | Direct GP relationships, family offices |
In Switzerland specifically, FINMA regulates private placements, and many European PE funds are structured as Luxembourg SCSp or SICAV-RAIF vehicles — a local wealth manager or family office advisor familiar with Swiss tax treatment can be invaluable.
