Starting and growing a business always require capital. There are a number of alternative methods to fund growth. These include the owner or proprietor’s own capital, arranging debt finance, or seeking an equity partner, as is the case with private equity and venture capital.

Private equity is a broad term that refers to any type of non-public ownership equity securities that are not listed on a public exchange. Private equity encompasses both early stage (venture capital) and later stage (buy-out, expansion) investing. In the broadest sense, it can also include mezzanine, fund of funds and secondary investing.

Venture capital is a means of equity financing for rapidly-growing private companies. Finance may be required for the start-up, development/expansion or purchase of a company. Venture Capital firms invest funds on a professional basis, often focusing on a limited sector of specialization (eg. IT, infrastructure, health/life sciences, clean technology, etc.). 
When venture capitalists invest in a business they typically require a seat on the company's board of directors. They tend to take a minority share in the company and usually do not take day-to-day control. Rather, professional venture capitalists act as mentors and aim to provide support and advice on a range of management, sales and technical issues to assist the company to develop its full potential.