HELP! How is a financial sponsor different from a regular PE firm / mega fund?

Longtime lurker. I have an opportunity to meet someone high up within a financial sponsor and I am struggling to understand what makes them different from a "PE" firm generally. I understand that financial sponsors may perform LBOs and may take an active role in the management of companies they acquire. I also understand that financial sponsor groups can operate out of investment banks, so it isn't just a "PE" shop product. I thought buy-side was simple "PE, venture, and growth equity," but now I'm at a loss. Thanks to anyone who can shed light. 

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