While the affluent population has always invested in privately held firms, interest in private equity as an asset class has surged in recent years, prompting a response from the financial community. The range of opportunities available to private investors is growing and includes anything from direct investments to angel groups. According to Angelo Robles, founder and CEO of the Family Office Association and author of "Effective Family Office," “The appeal of private equity is also increasing among a number of wealthy sub-segments.