Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital

Executives walking on HBS campus

Gain insight into the landscape, players, and trends in private equity and venture capital. Boost your investment expertise at every stage of the deal structuring and fundraising process.

  • Dates

    Mar 2 – 5, 2025

  • Status

    Accepting Applications

  • Format

    In-Person

  • Location

    HBS Campus

  • Fee

    $11,750

  • Application Due

    Feb 20, 2025

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

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Raising private capital can be a daunting process, especially for those who are new to the sector. Understanding the best practices, core issues, and evolving trends in private equity and venture capital is a lucrative starting point.

Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital dives into the fundamental challenges and best practices for successfully starting a new fund or venture. You will acquire the skills, strategies, and confidence to target the right investors, find the best deals, and raise needed capital.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Learn to structure deals and raise funds  

  • Explore the full range of industry models, from venture capital to growth equity to buyouts  

  • Understand key issues related to investment criteria, management strategies, and decision-making processes 

  • Explore the impact and future implications of globalization on the investment industry  

  • Understand emerging challengers such as crowdfunding, special-purpose acquisition companies, and other alternative investment firms 

  • Establish a successful private equity / venture capital partnership structure

Program Format

  • 4
    days on the HBS campus
  • 12–15
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

  • General partners of private equity and venture capital firms responsible for small funds 

  • Entrepreneurs seeking private financing 

  • Families and institutions in the process of raising their first fund or considering private equity investing 

  • Angel investors who are looking to formalize their activities 

  • For executives with significant experience in private equity or venture capital fields, our Private Equity and Venture Capital program may be more appropriate. Applicants are advised to choose the program that best fits their goals and experience. These two programs are not intended to be taken consecutively

Individuals and teams are welcome to attend. Sending two or more representatives from your organization fosters teamwork and amplifies program impact.

Global Perspective

Two female and two male executives sit and smile around a table filled with notes.
3%
Africa
13%
Asia Pacific
18%
Europe
8%
Latin America
7%
Middle East
51%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 29%

    Financial

  • 15%

    High Technology

  • 9%

    Real Estate / Construction

  • 8%

    Professional Services

  • 6%

    Health Care

  • 5%

    Consumer Products

  • 5%

    Retail Services

  • 4%

    Transportation

  • 3%

    Manufacturing

  • 3%

    Chem/Pharma/Bio

Experience

Years Worked

  • 9%

    Less than 10 years

  • 17%

    10-14 years

  • 21%

    15-19 years

  • 20%

    20-24 years

  • 18%

    25-29 years

  • 9%

    30-34 years

  • 3%

    35-39 years

  • 3%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • Australian Food Investments
  • Calder Stewart Holdings Limited
  • CRC Partners
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Fincentrum
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Macquarie Bank
  • Michael Kors
  • Pilgrim's Pride
  • Sterling Bros Investment & Development Ltd.
  • Tyndall Group
  • Unilever

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Cochairs

  • Headshot of Victoria Ivashina

    Victoria Ivashina

    Lovett-Learned Professor of Business Administration Anne and James F. Rothenberg Faculty Fellow Unit Head, Finance

  • Headshot of Josh Lerner

    Josh Lerner

    Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.