What are private funds?

Banks, investment companies, and financial institutions are private funds as they provide private financing. Private fund managers do not usually participate in running a business. It is beneficial for companies as it provides the freedom to conduct their business in the way they deem best. The primary purpose of a private fund is to extract healthy returns from the investment (mostly in the form of interest rates vary from 7-12%).

Businesses with a good credit track record and massive potential for growth would benefit from this kind of funding. This type of funding is only best for businesses that are already generating revenue. It is not ideal for startups.

However, under the Singapore government’s microloan programs, entrepreneurs can apply for loans from financial institutions like UOB, DBS, and OCBC.

There are three types of private funds:

• Independent - set up by wealthy individuals, families or companies
• Institutional - set up by banks and financial institutions
• Corporate - set up by large companies