The rise of private equity

Why private equity has venture capital envy - FT.com:

"Returns are coming down, fees are coming down and the landscape is becoming more competitive. In 2005, the industry had $1.2tn in funds under management, in the hands of about 3,355 firms.  By last year, the figure had swelled to $3.8tn in the hands of 5,868 firms, of which a remarkable 2,252 are currently in fundraising mode, according to data from Carlyle co-founder David Rubenstein."

The starting point for a more significant overview of private equity, venture capital and alternative funding.