Private Credit

What is a private credit investment?

Private credit is a form of lending where non-bank financial institutions provide debt capital directly to privately held companies, instead of banks as the primary source of debt financing.

Why private credit?

In recent years, we believe that private credit has become a mainstay of private markets portfolios. Just as the potential benefits to borrowers and lenders are numerous, we think the strategy is appealing to investors for many reasons. In a downside scenario, credit gets repaid before equity, making credit into what we believe to be a safer strategy, albeit with lower expected returns. Credit funds tend to be shorter duration, both investing and returning capital more quickly than most private markets strategies. Credit funds also typically provide a cash yield that is paid quarterly, which is important for investors who want interim liquidity. Finally, investments can be made in private credit securities that are both floating and fixed rate, creating opportunities to hedge both rising and falling interest rate environments.

Our approach to private credit

When comparing HarbourVest to almost any other private credit provider, we believe the biggest differentiator is our platform. HarbourVest is one of the world’s largest investors in buyout funds and we have developed close relationships with buyout GPs around the world. We believe these firms turn to us to provide credit to their portfolio companies, affording us something we call our “allocation advantage.”

In our experience, clients seeing to allocate private credit appreciate the HarbourVest difference, including our platform size, differentiated approach, tailored solutions, and strong sponsor relationship network. 

We feel private credit has become a mainstay of private markets portfolios.

Peter Lipson
Peter Lipson Managing Director

Why HarbourVest?

The asset class has tripled over the past 10 years into a $1.5+ trillion universe that rivals the size of the high yield and syndicated loan markets.

Whether you are an LP seeking access to credit investment opportunities or a GP seeking trusted and reliable tailored financing solutions, we feel that HarbourVest can help achieve your goals. Our position as a large, experienced LP can provide access to credit opportunities across the platform and preferred allocation.

We're looking forward to hearing from you.

Our team is available to discuss your private markets goals and questions.

 
 

HarbourVest Partners, LLC is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information on this site is intended solely for the benefit of firms and companies seeking private equity investment capital by providing general information on our services and philosophy. The material on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase any investment solutions or a recommendation to buy or sell a security nor is it to be construed as legal, tax or investment advice. Unless otherwise indicated, any information available through this site is as of the date indicated therein and may not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available. HarbourVest is under no obligation to update the information contained on this site. Additionally, the material on this site does not constitute a representation that the solutions described therein are suitable or appropriate for any person and HarbourVest does not accept any liability with respect to the information. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.