The book opens with a thorough survey of venture capital as a research field; conceptual, theoretical and geographic aspects are explored, and its pioneers revisited. The focus then shifts to the specific environs of venture capital. Firstly, institutional (formal) venture capital is discussed. The analysis encompasses considerations such as structure, pre-investment processes, venture capitalist’s value-adding, performance, impact on economic development and early-stage financing as well as management buyouts. Business angel research, networks, and their investment decision making are then discussed under the wider umbrella of informal venture capital. Finally, the corporate venture capital market is explored from both the entrepreneur’s perspective and that of the supply side of corporate venture capital.

Also providing a lively and stimulating debate on policy implications and possible directions for future venture capital research, this all-encompassing Handbook will prove an invaluable reference tool for those with an interest in policy, business management, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the financing of new and growth-oriented ventures.