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Unleash your inner venture capitalist –with your retirement account
Learn more about investing in private equity within an IRA
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Private equity investing (also known as private entity investing) usually refers to providing capital to companies that are not publicly traded in exchange for a percentage of ownership or interest. Once only accessible to high-net-worth individuals or “accredited investors,” private equity opportunities are now available to the average investor.
These options may be found through equity crowdfunding platforms or angel investing opportunities, for example. Talk to an IRA Counselor about the broad range of private equity assets that can be held in an IRA or other retirement account, including:
Investing in private equity in your retirement account offers you the opportunity to buy into
companies
that aren’t publicly traded for potentially significant profits, while securing your financial
future.
Historically better returns tha n public markets
Ability to directly invest in businesses/industries that interest you or align with your values
Accessible to the average investor through a range of equity crowdfunding and other opportunities
One of our specialized counselors will walk you through the process, or you can do it online with myEQUITY .
A few potential sources:
Easily initiate your investment with the Private Equity Wizard in myEQUITY . Upload the documentation for your investment.
We are here to help you if you need it.
Equity Trust Client
I have been using Equity Trust Company for over 10 years to close my private placement transactions. They are very thorough and responsive. If something is missing in my documents they will let me know so that I can get it resolved quickly and be able to close on time.
Equity Trust Client
I had an opportunity to invest in a startup with significant gain potential, but it required moving quickly. I had to cash out a Roth IRA at ******, open a new Roth IRA at Equity Trust, move the funds from ****** to Equity Trust, then get the investment approved and the funds transferred to the investment company. We did all this in basically eight days. It took ****** four days to transfer the funds. Equity Trust was on top of it the whole time, and held my hand through it all.
Equity Trust Client
I have been using Equity Trust for my private IRA investments for about 10 years now. They have always been quick to respond to any questions that I have and to process the investment in a very timely manner. Their fee structure is fair as well. You can ’t find a better company to deal with for your private equity investments than Equity Trust!
Easily invest in private equity, private entities, and countless other assets online with myEQUITY, our state-of-the-art online account management system. Our technology enables you to:
What are you investing for? Whether your “why” is retirement, healthcare expenses, or a loved one’s education, we make the journey easy with innovative technology and first-class service.
Traditional financial institutions limit your account to traditional investments. With Equity Trust, you can truly diversify into a range of options including real estate, private entities, cryptocurrency, precious metals, and more, in addition to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds –all in one account.
Our size, expertise, and technology help us ensure that we ’re there when you need us most. With more than 500+ associates focused on processing 2.1M+ transactions each year, we work diligently to enhance your experience with us.
While you ’re in control, rest assured knowing you ’re not alone: our knowledgeable, client-focused associates are here to provide dedicated, personalized service from opening your account to assisting you with investment transactions. You can lean on our 50+ years of experience in the financial services industry. Talk to a knowledgeable IRA Counselor.
Don ’t have an investment in mind? Most custodians establish your account and leave you on your own to figure it out. Our WealthBridge portal and Investment District online marketplace enable you to find potential investment opportunities with the click of a button. Start your search
Let our industry-leading education and resources help you navigate through your investing journey.
Learn how it works , private equity investing rules, a real – life example, and how to get started.
B rowse the tax – advantaged accounts and find one that matches your savings goals – from retirement to education to health care savings.
Dig deeper into how private equity investing works in a retirement account.
Ready to Get Started with Private Equity Investing?
Our knowledgeable IRA Counselors can answer your questions about the self-directed investing process and share insight and education about our self-directed accounts to help you decide what options may be best for you.
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© 2026 Equity Trust®. All rights reserved.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody and administration as of 03/31/2026.
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Subscribe to our newsletter:
Terms of Use|Privacy Policy|Site Map
© 2026 Equity Trust®. All rights reserved.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody and administration as of 03/31/2026.