Investing in equity means buying ownership in an entity, which can take several forms. You might be investing in:

• Established Private Companies that are seeking capital to grow.
• A specific project, such as a property development. In such cases, a separate company, known as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), is often created specifically for that project. Your share gives you ownership in that single venture, not the entire parent company.

The rights your shares give you can also vary. Companies may issue different "classes" of shares. Some come with voting rights, allowing you to have a say in major company decisions. Others might be non-voting but still entitle you to a share of the profits. 

The exact structure of the business and the specific rights attached to your shares will always be clearly defined in the investment's legal documentation.