Resources

How Zest is replacing manual dealmaking with digital infrastructure, and what 200+ transactions have taught us about the future of private markets in MENA.

A data-backed outlook from Zest Equity on how MENA private markets are restructuring in 2026, driven by mid-market volume, cross-border complexity, next-gen capital shifts, and secondaries, making infrastructure and execution the new differentiator.

Explore how a $1T generational wealth transfer in the Gulf is reshaping family offices, private markets, and the digital infrastructure powering next-gen investors.

Explore key exit strategies for entrepreneurs, from acquisitions to IPOs and learn how to prepare your business for a smooth, high-value transition

Learn why entrepreneurs and investors are turning to simplification vehicles to streamline governance and speed up deal-making.

Discover how leading venture capital firms are adopting private equity-style strategies in response to liquidity pressures, extended fund cycles, and a changing exit landscape. Learn what this “PE-ification” of VC means for founders, LPs, and the future of the industry.

Curious about private market funds? This in-depth guide breaks down how private funds work, including GP/LP dynamics, fund structures, capital calls, and key terms every investor should understand before making a commitment.

As AI companies continue to raise capital at unprecedented levels, some investors are left wondering how they can get started. This guide will show you how to think about investing in AI, where to invest, and what you should do before writing your first check.

When a company exits, proceeds aren’t always split by ownership percentage. This article breaks down how liquidation preferences work—so you’re better prepared when raising or investing in your next deal.

Good corporate governance isn’t just a “nice to have” - it’s fundamental to growing your company with the right stakeholders to support you. In this article, learn how your relationships with stakeholders can change over time and key tips to foster healthy relationships.

Learn how buyers finance an acquisition and what to keep in mind when considering capital sources.

A leveraged buyout (LBO) is a financial transaction in which a company (the “target”) is acquired using a significant amount of borrowed funds. In this article, we’ll explore how an LBO works, why private equity (PE) firms and other investors use this strategy as well as the risks involved.

Earnouts can help bridge the gap between a buyer’s and seller’s valuation in an M&A transaction. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about this contractual mechanism.

Private equity and venture capital funds report on their investment performance using various methods. An investor must understand how each method is calculated and what to watch out for when reviewing a fund’s performance.

Using an escrow provider in your private market transaction can improve transparency between each side and reduce counterparty risk. Find out what exactly an escrow provider does and key use cases for having one.

Product-market fit occurs when you satisfy a need in the market and customers are willing to pay for your solution. Learn more about how you can find product-market fit and what this can mean for private companies.

A company’s AML program is the foundation for understanding your business stakeholders. Leveraging a fully digitized AML program can lead to a better customer experience, a reduction in the time it takes for most customers to be approved, and greater security measures for all participants.

Raising capital as an entrepreneur can feel like navigating a maze with no end in sight. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know during your fundraising journey so you embark on it with confidence.

The investment performance of private market funds is often irregular. This is called the J-curve—named after the shape of investment performance in private market funds. In this article, we break down what the J curve means for investors.

Investors specialize in different fundraising stages to better support their target portfolio companies. How do investors value companies at different stages in their growth journey? In this article, we break down what investors look for when analyzing potential investment opportunities.

Equity dilution occurs when a company issues new shares of stock to investors, decreasing the ownership percentage of existing shareholders.

Having a communication strategy with your investors can positively impact your investment business. In this article, we outline how to build trust with your investors, what a successful communication strategy looks like, and why your strategy shouldn't end there.

Reserved matters are a type of protective provision outlined in investment documentation that explains which corporate decisions need to be approved by a select group of people.

Navigating the private markets as an emerging manager can be daunting. In this article, we attempt to demystify investing in the private markets and outline options for starting and scaling your investment business.

Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) describe legal entities commonly used by founders and investors in the private markets to transact efficiently and seamlessly.

Understanding key investment terms can be daunting. We outlined two important ways to measure a startup’s valuation.

How many investors should you have on your Cap Table? This article covers what a cap table is and why a simple cap table is so important.

Controlled liquidity in startups, aligns stakeholder interests and creates positive impact across the venture ecosystem.

How can we transform standard equity compensation in venture into a more effective retention and overall benefits tool.