Financial Forum: Private Equity Financing Gains Importance in a Changing Environment

Igor Čičak, CEO of Provectus Capital Partners, participated in the panel “Investments Between Caution and Ambition” at the Financial Forum organized by Lider Media, where panelists discussed the evolving investment environment amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting market dynamics.

The discussion highlighted that Croatian entrepreneurs have access to a broader set of financing options than ever before and should increasingly consider investments by private equity as an alternative to traditional bank lending —particularly in a context of heightened geopolitical risks and a renewed focus on driving growth in European manufacturing and services.

Čičak emphasized that private equity plays a key role in supporting companies during phases of expansion and transformation, providing not only capital but also strategic expertise, governance standards, and active partnership.

“The phase of expansion and transformation is the right moment to partner with private equity. We contribute capital, but also expertise, governance standards, and active support in executing business plans. We focus on companies where we see clear potential for value creation that can be unlocked through partnership,” said Čičak.

He also stressed that investment decisions are not driven solely by financial indicators, noting that this is sometimes a misconception about private equity.

“It is overly simplistic to reduce private equity investing to metrics such as EBITDA or to cost optimization. Financial performance is only one part of a much broader picture—valuation is ultimately driven by future growth potential, market positioning, product strength, and the investment required to realize that growth. At Provectus, we consistently focus on development and transformation, as this is the only way for all stakeholders in a partnership to achieve their objectives,” he added.

The panel concluded that a more strategic and diversified approach to financing will be increasingly important for companies aiming to grow and remain competitive.