Best Private Equity Investment Platforms in the UK

Private equity investment platforms in the UK are opening access to an asset class that has historically delivered strong returns but remained out of reach for most individual investors. These platforms provide routes into buyout funds, growth equity, co-investment opportunities, and secondary market transactions — investment strategies previously limited to pension funds, endowments, and family offices.

The democratisation of private equity has been driven by regulatory developments (including the new LTAF and ELTIF fund structures), technology platforms that reduce minimum ticket sizes, and growing demand from wealth managers seeking diversification for their clients. Platforms now offer entry points from around £10,000, compared to the traditional £1 million+ minimum for direct fund commitments.

Access models vary significantly between platforms. Some operate as fund-of-funds or feeder vehicles, aggregating smaller investments to meet the minimums of institutional PE funds. Others offer direct co-investment alongside established PE managers. A growing number provide access to secondary market transactions, where investors can buy stakes in existing PE fund portfolios.

Individual investors should be aware of several key characteristics of private equity: capital is typically locked up for 7 to 12 years, fee structures include management fees and carried interest (performance fees), and returns are not guaranteed. While private equity has historically outperformed public markets over long periods, past performance is not indicative of future results.

The platforms below are selected based on their FCA authorisation, quality of fund managers offered, investor eligibility requirements, and transparency.