Capital investment partners are business partners that choose to enter into working relationships that make it possible to secure assets in anticipation of realizing some sort of mutual benefit in the future. The exact nature of how each partner contributes to the relationship will vary, depending on the type of investment activity involved. Typically, both partners provide resources that aid in the acquisition of an asset and the utilization of that asset to earn profits.
One of the most common examples of how capital investment partners work together is in the acquisition of some type of real estate with an eye toward holding that property for a time, then selling it at a profit. This usually means pooling resources to acquire and improve the property so that it can be sold for considerably more than the original purchase price. In some cases, both partners contribute capital to manage the process. At other times, one partner provides the cash for the purchase and cost of materials to improve the property, while the other partner uses his or her skills to manage the property enhancements that ultimately increase the market value of the real estate. Once the property is sold at a profit, the two partners split the profits based on the terms agreed upon at the onset of the venture.
Capital investment partners may also be actively involved in the management of the acquired asset. For example, a capital investor may partner with an entrepreneur to start a new business. Along with contributing the capital necessary to keep the business afloat, the investor may also provide some sort of support services based on his or her expertise. The investor may function as the finance officer for the new venture, or oversee a portion of the general operations. Once the business is up and running, the partner may train personnel to take over those responsibilities, incrementally easing away from active involvement as returns on the investment begin to be realized.
Whether capital investment partners are actively or passively involved in the process, it is important to make sure the terms of the business arrangement are thoroughly understood by all parties concerned. This includes identifying the types of contributions each partner will make, and accurately projecting when returns can reasonably be anticipated. In addition, a well-crafted business plan is key to the stability of the relationship, since it provides all capital investment partners with a road map of what needs to happen in order for the investment to become profitable. Defining the terms and conditions of the relationship helps to prevent misunderstandings that could undermine the venture and endanger the potential for earning a return from the project.
