739 The private equity (PE) universe – of which venture capital (VC) is technically a subset - covers businesses in every sector and almost every stage of life. While investments in established companies form the bread-and-butter of most PE portfolios, it’s in early-stage ventures that many delicacies can be found. Not only do these provide an irresistible high-risk/high-return infusion, but, more importantly, investments in early-stage companies (including but not limited to VC) are essential in building the growth of an economy – and South Africa can do with an extra helping of this right now.