Private equity is a form of investing that focuses on investments in private companies that are not listed on the stock exchange. Private equity investors provide capital for the development, restructuring, or expansion of companies, often with the goal of increasing their value and subsequently achieving a profit through a sale or IPO (initial public offering). Investments within private equity can include buying entire companies (buyouts), investing in start-up business projects (venture capital), or other forms of equity investments. This type of investing can offer high returns but often comes with higher risk and a longer investment horizon.