Private equity investments are a type of investment where individuals or companies invest in private companies. Private companies are companies that are not publicly traded on stock exchanges, meaning their stock is not available for purchase by the general public.

Private equity investments can take several forms, including:

1. Buyout funds: Buyout funds invest in companies that they plan to acquire and operate over the long term. This type of private equity investment is focused on acquiring controlling stakes in companies and improving their operations to increase their value.
   
2. Venture capital funds: Venture capital funds invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. This type of private equity investment is focused on providing seed funding to startups and helping them scale and grow into successful companies.
   
3. Growth equity funds: Growth equity funds invest in established companies that have demonstrated strong growth potential but may not be well suited for an initial public offering (IPO). This type of private equity investment provides capital to help companies continue to grow and expand their operations.
   
4. Mezzanine funds: Mezzanine funds invest in companies that are seeking capital to finance growth or make acquisitions. This type of private equity investment provides a mix of debt and equity financing, allowing companies to tap into debt capital without the need for a traditional loan.
   
5. Distressed funds: Distressed funds invest in companies that are facing financial difficulties or are in bankruptcy. This type of private equity investment is focused on buying assets at a discount and turning around the company's operations to increase its value.
   

In other words, each type of private equity investment has its own unique set of benefits and risks, and it is important to carefully consider the goals of the investment and the level of risk that is comfortable before making a private equity investment.

When an individual or company invests in a private equity investment, they are essentially buying a portion of a private company. They may also work with the company to help improve its operations and increase its value.

One of the main benefits of private equity investments is the potential for high returns. Because private companies are not publicly traded, they can often be purchased at a discount, and their value can increase significantly over time as the company grows and improves.

However, it is important to note that private equity investments also come with a higher level of risk. Private companies may not have a long track record of success, and there is often less information available about the company and its financial health. Additionally, the value of private equity investments can be difficult to predict and can be impacted by a variety of factors, including economic conditions and changes in the company's operations.

Private equity investments are typically only available to accredited investors, meaning individuals with a high net worth or income. This is because private equity investments are considered more complex and carry a higher level of risk than other types of investments.

Overall, private equity investments can be a good option for individuals or companies looking for high returns and willing to take on a higher level of risk. However, it is important to carefully consider the risks and do thorough research before making any private equity investments.