ENTERPRENEURSHIP AT THE CARUTH INSTITUTE

This course is a module-long elective that focuses on the management challenges faced by venture capital and other private equity firms. Private equity firms have grown in both number and size in recent years, and are responsible for financing a large number of start-up companies and leveraged buyouts. As a result, their impact on the economy - and on the competitive dynamics of many high-technology industries - has grown.

This course examines issues central to the operation of private equity firms. We will follow the operational cycle of these firms. We begin by examining the issues associated with the raising of an investment fund. We then discuss how private equity firms invest their funds, how they interact with portfolio companies, and how they realize the gains on the investment. The module concludes with a discussion of the use of the private equity model in other settings.

Most of the class sessions will revolve around a discussion of assigned cases. Consistent with traditional case instruction techniques, students will be called upon to discuss the case using the concepts and models taught in this class.