Asking for equity
The small PE firm I work at is about to acquire an office building with potential for development. I’ve been working on the team of 6 for 2 years now. I’d like to ask to put some of my own money in. How do I go about this?

Assets are in the 10-20 mm range. 

Would they say no because they wouldn’t want me involved? Or would they say no because I wouldn’t have enough money to contribute?
[{"id": "fcwnh8a", "text": "They should be able to slice up the capital stack such that you can inject small amounts. We have the ability for senior folks with the firm to buy $1000 tranches in most projects. I think you have to buy a min of 20, so buyin of $20k, but your returns are fantastic.\n\nI don\u2019t know the legal structure that allows for those LP contributions. Pretty sure it is shares of an LLC, but I could be wrong.\n\nIf the contract provides you good returns and you believe in the project, why not? You are close to the project and understand the risk and upshot.  I wish I was more senior and could buy in to some of our projects. Would be nice to have passive income from scale projects.", "replies": [{"id": "fcwntmk", "text": "I\u2019m pretty junior and afraid they will shut down this idea once I propose it. Got nothing to lose though so going to ask. Thanks for advice.", "replies": [{"id": "fcwoxws", "text": "The worst they can say is no, and if you come in with at least a partially fleshed out idea, you may get a yes.", "replies": [{"id": "fcwp2wh", "text": "Formulating my thoughts now and trying to figure out the best way to propose it", "replies": [{"id": "fcwrhb7", "text": "I would lay it out in a way like saying you enjoy working there, like what's going on, want to grow with them and are interested to know if you can invest with them. Worst they can say is no and tell you why, maybe you can get in on another deal.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}, {"id": "fcx6664", "text": "I agree with the answer below. Don't try to get in on a deal that is already in progress.   Tell them how much you want to invest in general and go from there.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}, {"id": "fee2435", "text": "Did you ask yet?", "replies": [{"id": "fee5zq9", "text": "No. Deal is closing end of next month. Waiting for it to be closer to closing.", "replies": [{"id": "feeb1lr", "text": "Nice. Following!", "replies": [], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "fcwnyx4", "text": "Yes, shares of an LLC in a GP/LLP structure.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "fcz3cwf", "text": "Would you actually get passive income though? I imagine if you\u2019re going to own a slice of the LLC, you\u2019ll get paid after the liquidity event i.e. sale.", "replies": [{"id": "fcze7il", "text": "For our firm, the $1000 tranches get a 12% return per year and then a prorata share at disposition. It is a fantastic deal once you make it high enough in the organization.\n\nTrue it is all subordinate to senior equity partners, and if the senior holders are not paid, then you don\u2019t get your distributions. But afaik they have never not paid out all distributions.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fcx798k", "text": "I love it when juniors want to buy into deals. Your principals should be thrilled with this. Having junior staff buy into deals increases motivation and talent retention and is a win-win.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fcyc85i", "text": "I did the same recently and was turned down due to all our deals are exchanges so they didn't want throw a wrench in that machine.  Just ask and go from there.", "replies": [{"id": "fcycj4e", "text": "What\u2019s your experience with your company?", "replies": [{"id": "fcycmkk", "text": "Director of acquisitions for almost 3 years.", "replies": [{"id": "fcycp79", "text": "I\u2019m only in a analyst/associate role. Where are you located?", "replies": [{"id": "fcycwpq", "text": "Your role shouldn't matter frankly, similar to what another response said just tell them you like what is happening here and you want to work there for the long term.  You have some dry powder and want to invest it directly into one of the projects.  I work in southern California.", "replies": [{"id": "fcyd23b", "text": "You hiring? Lol", "replies": [{"id": "fcyd4ig", "text": "Haha, not presently no.", "replies": [], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]