I spent fifteen years watching small businesses struggle to access opportunities that seemed reserved for the wealthy elite.

As an Air Force veteran who moved into GCC procurement, I saw the pattern everywhere. The best deals, the strongest returns, the most stable investments—all locked behind gates most people couldn't even see, let alone open.

Here's what I've learnt: private markets aren't actually exclusive by nature. They're exclusive by design. And that design can change.

What Private Markets Actually Are

Private markets are investment opportunities in companies and assets that don't trade on public stock exchanges.

Think of it this way: when you buy shares in Apple or Microsoft, you're investing in public markets. When you invest in a private equity fund, a real estate syndication, or a venture capital deal, you're in private markets.

The numbers tell a compelling story. The global private equity market reached $540.72 billion in 2024 and projects to hit $1.35 trillion by 2034. More striking: private markets overall are heading towards $18 trillion by 2027.

This isn't a niche anymore. It's mainstream capital allocation.

Why Private Markets Matter Now

Public companies are disappearing.

The US had over 7,000 publicly listed companies in 2000. Today, that number sits around 4,500. Meanwhile, private companies have grown 43% over the same period.

The maths is straightforward: private equity backs nearly 25 times more companies than public markets, with only 12% of the capitalisation. Over 215,000 companies have private equity or venture capital backing, whilst the MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index covers approximately 8,800 constituents.

The most dynamic companies are staying private longer. If you're only investing in public markets, you're missing the majority of opportunities.

The Performance Track Record

Over the last 25 years, the Global PE Index outperformed the MSCI World Index by more than 500 basis points annually on a net basis.

Since 2000, private equity generated a net annualised time-weighted return of 13%, compared to 8% for public equities (Russell 3000).

I'm not suggesting past performance guarantees future results. I am saying the track record deserves attention.

When I stress-tested a $500K portfolio in 2024 for 20% drawdowns, I built contingency plans the way my Air Force training taught me. Others react to market shocks. I prepare for them.

The Access Problem

Institutional investors are sharpening their focus on private markets. In 2026, 45% are increasing allocations to private debt and 34% to private equity. Confidence runs high—66% are bullish on private equity and 65% on private debt.

These institutions manage $10 trillion in assets. Private alternatives comprise approximately 25% of their portfolios.

So why do individual investors struggle to access the same opportunities?

The barriers are real but not insurmountable:

• Minimum investment requirements that exclude smaller investors
• Complex legal structures that require specialist knowledge
• Limited transparency compared to public markets
• Longer lock-up periods that tie up capital
• Higher fees that eat into returns

I saw these barriers firsthand when I started SENI Haven. Small businesses I'd worked with in procurement couldn't access the same opportunities as large institutions, despite having capital to invest.

How Technology Changes the Game

AI tools and disciplined systems are lowering barriers.

I use technology like 73 Strings to cut costs and simplify access. But I blend AI with human oversight—no blind automation. My Air Force logistics background taught me that systems built on planning, practice, and contingencies survive surprises.

There's an estimated $56 trillion in US household assets alone. If just 5% of that capital moves into private investments, we're looking at an additional $2.8 trillion entering the market.

The number of high-net-worth individuals grew by more than 1 million people or $3.8 trillion year-over-year from 2022 to 2023. Investment platforms are creating new vehicles to facilitate access for qualified individual investors.

The democratisation is happening. The question is whether you're positioned to participate.

Private Credit: The $2 Trillion Opportunity

Private credit deserves special attention.

The market is approaching $2 trillion, with estimates calling for total assets under management to more than double by 2028.

Private credit emerged as banks stepped back from certain lending activities. This created opportunities for investors to provide capital directly to businesses, often with attractive yields and asset backing.

I prioritise collateral over hype. Most funds chase stories. I demand real assets—like the $500K in 2024 note collateral I required for one investment.

Asset-backed investing protects you when markets turn.

What You Need Before You Start

Private markets aren't for everyone, and I won't pretend they are.

You need:

Capital you can lock up. Private investments typically require multi-year commitments. If you need liquidity in 12 months, stay in public markets.
Risk tolerance. Private markets offer potential for higher returns, but they come with higher risk and less transparency than public markets.
Due diligence capability. You're evaluating opportunities without the same disclosure requirements as public companies. This requires research skills or trusted advisers.
Patience. Returns in private markets often take years to materialise. Quick flips are rare.
Diversification. Never put all your capital in private markets. I use quarterly rebalancing to maintain appropriate exposure across asset classes.

The Stewardship Mindset

I don't see myself as the owner of SENI Haven. I'm its steward.

My father, a double doctorate in civil engineering, poured everything into his business. I watched him build with discipline. My mother taught me warmth and connection. I blend both approaches.

I'm cultivating stewards—clients and partners who can thrive independently, creating wealth with trust rather than dependence.

This mindset matters in private markets. You're not just chasing returns. You're building systems that outlast any one person or market cycle.

I started SENI Haven to build systems that endure. Discipline sustained through structure, not willpower. Planning that accounts for surprises.

Common Misconceptions

"Private markets are only for the ultra-wealthy."

This was true. It's becoming less true. Minimum investments are dropping. New fund structures are emerging. Technology is reducing costs.

"Private markets are too risky."

All investing carries risk. Private markets have different risks than public markets—less liquidity, less transparency, longer time horizons. But with proper due diligence and asset backing, you can manage these risks.

"I need millions to get started."

Some opportunities require substantial capital. Others don't. The $27 entry-level education I offer exists because I believe knowledge shouldn't have institutional barriers.

"Private markets are too complex."

They're complex if you approach them without guidance. With proper education and systems, you can understand the fundamentals and make informed decisions.

A Simple Example

Let me walk you through a basic private market investment to make this concrete.

Imagine a private credit fund that lends to small businesses. The fund raises $10 million from investors. You invest $50,000.

The fund lends this capital to 20 businesses at interest rates of 10-12%. These loans are secured by business assets—equipment, inventory, receivables.

Over five years, the fund collects interest payments and principal repayments. After fees, the fund targets a 9% annual return to investors.

Your $50,000 investment grows to approximately $77,000 over five years, assuming the fund hits its target.

The key details:

• Your capital is locked up for five years
• Returns depend on borrowers repaying loans
• Asset backing provides downside protection
• You receive quarterly updates but can't sell your position easily
• The fund charges management fees (typically 1-2% annually) and performance fees (typically 20% of profits above a hurdle rate)

This is simplified, but it shows the basic mechanics.

What Comes Next

Private markets are growing. Access is expanding. The question isn't whether these opportunities exist—it's whether you're prepared to evaluate them.

I challenge the idea that private markets are elite-only. But I also build consensus with clients by listening and ensuring they're ready.

You need systems, not just enthusiasm.

My Air Force years taught me that systems built on planning, practice, and contingencies survive surprises. The same applies to investing.

If you're serious about exploring private markets, start with education. Understand the fundamentals. Learn to evaluate opportunities. Build relationships with experienced investors.

Don't chase trends like crypto without purpose or uncollateralised bets. Stick to disciplined, asset-backed investing that protects your capital.

Private markets aren't out of reach. They're accessible when you have the right tools and approach.

The gate is opening. The question is whether you're ready to walk through it.

Your Next Step

I've created a Private Markets Starter Playbook that breaks down the fundamentals in plain language. It covers asset classes, risk management, due diligence frameworks, and common pitfalls to avoid.

This isn't about selling you on private markets. It's about giving you the knowledge to make informed decisions.

If you're ready to understand how private markets work and whether they fit your situation, the Playbook is your starting point.

You can access it at [link to Starter Playbook].

Private markets are accessible with the right systems in place. Let me show you how.

Private Markets Aren't Out of Reach—Here's What You Need to Know