This is the second episode of our #InPrivate mini-series on private equity. Jacques Ittah, founder of Wil Partners and a private equity expert for 15 years, shares his view on this asset class, on what a management company combined with a digital platform brings, and on why he joined the board of Private Corner. A useful read for wealth advisers, private banks and family offices who want to understand how private markets are opening up to private clients.
Access a selection of institutional funds through a 100% digital platform.
#InPrivate – Episode 2
Watch the interview with Jacques Ittah, founder of Wil Partners, on our YouTube channel.
Who is Jacques Ittah, founder of Wil Partners?
"I'm Jacques Ittah, founder of Wil Partners, an investment bank specialised in private equity funds." At the time of the interview (September 2023), he had been advising almost all funds on their LBO transactions for 15 years, in France and abroad.
Wil Partners at a glance
Wil Partners (formerly Wil Consulting) is a financial advisory and investment banking firm active in M&A and LBO. Jacques Ittah has chaired it since December 2008. He has also been a director of Private Corner since May 2023.
(Source: speaker's public biography, Private Equity Exchange, 2024)
What does Private Corner's private equity platform bring?
For Jacques Ittah, the platform gives a more precise view of the life of the funds, why they invest, and above all how professionally they do it. It answers a clear need: making a long-opaque universe readable for private investors.
In practice, Private Corner digitalises the entire investment journey: onboarding, subscription (KYC/AML), capital calls and reporting. Wealth advisers thus access a selection of leading funds, generally reserved for institutional investors, within a regulated framework. The vehicles are structured as feeder funds, which allows private investors to access institutional funds.
The platform comes with educational and simulation tools, including a cash flow simulator and the Académie du Non Coté, which support advisers in their private markets allocation approach.
Talk to our teams about our selection of funds.
Why does Jacques Ittah sit on the board of Private Corner?
His motivation is to give private investors access, through Private Corner, to very high-quality products. That product is private equity, of which he is one of the market's experts. He believes he can bring to a team he considers extremely professional a little more hands-on expertise in this very particular asset class.
To go further, our private equity guide explains how private markets work and the vehicles involved.
Is private equity a promising asset class?
According to Jacques Ittah, private equity was a little-known asset class that performs very well. That performance has made private equity in France very popular with large institutional investors, in an asset class that goes through cycles and phases of rebalancing. He therefore considers it important that individuals can benefit from it directly, and no longer only through large institutions.
This is the logic of democratisation that Private Corner stands for: allowing private investors to invest in private markets, through their advisers, under conditions close to those of institutional investors, with a platform that guarantees transparency and rigour.
Risks to keep in mind
Private equity is not risk-free: possible loss of capital, limited liquidity throughout the life of the fund and wide performance dispersion between managers. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This is why fund selection and support from a wealth professional matter.
Conclusion – Hands-on expertise serving private investors
This #InPrivate episode recalls Private Corner's ambition: making private equity accessible to private investors, backed by market experts such as Jacques Ittah, while preserving the selection standards of institutional investors. Discover the funds open for subscription to build a diversified allocation.
This interview was conducted in September 2023 with Occur Experts, the network of cross-disciplinary experts for asset and wealth management.
A selection of leading managers, accessible through your adviser.
FAQ – Interview with Jacques Ittah on private equity
Who is Jacques Ittah?
Jacques Ittah is the founder and chairman of Wil Partners, an investment bank specialised in advising private equity funds. At the time of the interview (September 2023), he had been advising funds on their LBO transactions for 15 years, in France and abroad. He is also a director of Private Corner.
Why does Jacques Ittah sit on the board of Private Corner?
He wants to give private investors access to very high-quality products. His hands-on private equity expertise complements that of the Private Corner team.
Who can invest through Private Corner?
The funds are intended for professional or assimilated clients, through wealth management advisers, private banks and family offices, with an entry ticket generally starting at €100,000.
What does the Private Corner platform offer?
A 100% digital experience, from subscription (KYC/AML) to fund lifecycle monitoring, giving access to a selection of leading managers. The platform also includes cash flow simulation tools and the Académie du Non Coté, a training programme on private markets.
What are the risks of investing in private equity?
Investing in private equity involves a risk of capital loss, limited liquidity throughout the life of the fund and wide performance dispersion between funds. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Disclaimer
Marketing communication, intended for professional or assimilated clients. It does not constitute investment advice or an offer to subscribe. Investing in private equity involves a risk of capital loss and illiquidity. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Please read the regulatory documentation of each fund before subscribing.
