Investing in companies: Strategies, options and key tips

Investing in companies means actively supporting the real economy while diversifying your assets. This approach is part of a long-term rationale, offering opportunities that stand out from traditional financial markets. It appeals to a growing number of investors looking for meaning, potential performance and tangible impact.

This guide will help you explore the various corporate investment solutions available, providing you with the keys to building a structured wealth strategy in line with your objectives and investor profile.

Corporate investment takes several forms, each with its own level of risk, commitment and time horizon.

Direct investment or via specialized funds

There are two main avenues open to individual investors:

• Direct investment, which involves acquiring a stake in an unlisted company. This type of investment requires substantial initial capital, excellent knowledge of the entrepreneurial project and a high level of commitment.
• Investing via specialized funds (FCPR, FCPI, development capital funds, etc.), which enable you to pool risk, gain easier access to diversified opportunities and receive support from expert management teams.

This second option offers exposure to unlisted capital while benefiting from a structured and secure framework.

Investing in a start-up: innovation and volatility

Supporting a start-up enables you to play an active role in innovation, and to aim for attractive capital gains prospects. However, the lack of economic maturity increases the risk of capital loss. That's why investing in start-ups should be part of a well-considered diversification strategy.

Today, funds specializing in innovation capital enable investors to gain exposure to this segment while benefiting from the expertise of seasoned analysts.

Private equity: a structured approach to unlisted companies

Private equity is a way of supporting the growth of unlisted companies at different stages of their development. This asset class offers :

• high profitability potential over the medium to long term,
• diversification compared to listed assets,
• controlled access via vehicles such as FCPRs, now available to private investors.

This type of investment is part of a comprehensive wealth management strategy, requiring an investment horizon of 5 to 10 years.

Private debt: high-yield alternative financing

Private debt involves lending capital to a company outside the traditional banking channels. It enables you to earn pre-defined interest and access tailor-made financing opportunities, often backed by growing or transferring companies.

Accessible via specialized funds, this solution offers appreciable visibility on flows and complements a performance-oriented asset allocation.

SME investment: local impact and tax advantages

Supporting an SME means contributing to the local economic dynamic, while benefiting, in certain cases, from tax incentives (IR-PME, FIP, FCPI). This local investment, both human and strategic, requires a rigorous selection of companies and a good understanding of growth drivers.

Life insurance and unlisted shares: a relevant combination

Life insurance can now be used to access unlisted companies, thanks to units of account specialized in private equity or private debt. This integration offers :

• an advantageous long-term tax framework ;
• diversification to complement traditional financial savings;
• flexible contract management.

In this way, you can combine wealth optimization with participation in business financing.

Investing in a high-impact entrepreneurial project

Many investors today want to give meaning to their capital. Investment in a committed entrepreneurial project - ecological transition, health, social inclusion - can be made via :

• crowdfunding on regulated platforms,
• thematic impact funds,
• or solidarity-based sharing funds.

Prior analysis of the business model, governance and development prospects is essential.

Digitalization has facilitated access to unlisted investment via regulated platforms. These allow investors to consult documentation, track their investments, and sometimes even reinvest automatically.

However, this ease of access should not obscure the need for in-depth analysis. It is strongly recommended to use recognized intermediaries or to be accompanied in this process.

Investing in companies requires a thorough understanding of the risks and opportunities involved. Being accompanied by a wealth management professional allows you to :

• rigorous selection of opportunities.
• an allocation consistent with your investment objectives.
• a long-term vision, which is essential in unlisted companies.

At Eurazeo Wealth Solutions, our approach is based on education, qualitative selection of solutions, and a commitment to working alongside investors to structure their wealth strategy around real, growth-generating assets.

Investing in companies is a relevant diversification strategy for investors seeking meaning, potential performance and long-term visibility. Whether in private equity, private debt or impact entrepreneurship, the possibilities are numerous and suited to different profiles.

This approach requires expert support and a rigorous asset-building process. By relying on experienced partners like Eurazeo, investors can access selective, structured solutions that are consistent with their wealth ambitions.