SMB Investment Comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of small business acquisition strategies, financing options, and deal structures to help you make informed investment decisions.
comparisons
Private Equity vs Index Funds: Returns, Risk & Fee Analysis (2026)
Compare private equity (10-20% IRR, illiquid) vs index funds (6-8% returns, daily liquidity). Complete analysis of risks, fees, access requirements, and which strategy fits different investor profiles.
Quick Answer:
Private equity targets 10-20% net IRR but requires 7-10 year lock-ups and high fees (2%+20%). Index funds deliver 6-8% annual returns with daily liquidity and minimal fees (0.03-0.20%). For most investors, index funds should form the core equity allocation, with PE as a potential diversifier for those with significant assets and long time horizons.
Search Fund vs Angel Investing: A Data-Driven Comparison (2026)
Compare search fund investing to angel investing using Stanford data and industry research. Learn why search funds show 69% profitability vs ~10% for angel portfolios, and which approach fits your investment goals.
Quick Answer:
Search funds significantly outperform angel investing on a risk-adjusted basis. Stanford data shows 69% of search funds are profitable with 35% average IRR, while angel investing sees only 10-11% of investments yield positive exits, with 50-70% resulting in total loss. The key difference: search funds acquire existing profitable businesses, while angels bet on unproven startups.
Search Fund vs Self-Funded Search: Complete 2026 Comparison Guide
Comprehensive comparison of traditional search funds and self-funded searches. Learn the capital requirements, ownership economics, investor involvement, and which path is right for your acquisition goals.
SMB Business Investing vs Real Estate: Returns, Risk & Tax Comparison (2026)
Compare small business investing (15-25% IRR) vs real estate investing (8-12% IRR). Complete analysis of returns, risks, cash flows, and tax benefits for alternative investors.
Quick Answer:
SMB investing typically offers higher returns (15-25% IRR) but requires longer lock-ups (5-7 years) and provides minimal cash flow during the hold period. Real estate offers more immediate cash flow and liquidity but generally lower returns (8-12% IRR). Most sophisticated investors use both strategies for diversification.
Suggest a Comparison
Have a comparison you'd like to see? Let us know what investment strategies, financing options, or deal structures you'd like us to analyze.
Request a Comparison