Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital
- Dates: 03–06 MAR 2024
- Format: In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- Location: HBS Campus
- Fee: $11,250

"HBS is a great place to continue to build relationships and network with other leaders from around the world."
Summary
Raising private capital can be a daunting process, especially for new entrants in the sector. Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital delves into the fundamental challenges and best practices for successfully raising a new fund or venture. You will explore the full range of industry models, from venture capital to growth equity to buyouts, as well as the key issues related to investment criteria, management strategies, and decision-making processes.
For executives with significant experience in the private equity or venture capital fields, our legacy investment program, Private Equity and Venture Capital, may be more appropriate. The programs are not intended to be taken consecutively and are designed to meet the needs of two distinct groups of investors. Applicants are advised to choose the program that best fits their goals and experience. For more information, connect with a program advisor by emailing executive_education@hbs.edu or by calling +1.617.495.6555.
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Summary
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Raising private capital can be a daunting process, especially for new entrants in the sector. Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital delves into the fundamental challenges and best practices for successfully raising a new fund or venture. You will explore the full range of industry models, from venture capital to growth equity to buyouts, as well as the key issues related to investment criteria, management strategies, and decision-making processes.
For executives with significant experience in the private equity or venture capital fields, our legacy investment program, Private Equity and Venture Capital, may be more appropriate. The programs are not intended to be taken consecutively and are designed to meet the needs of two distinct groups of investors. Applicants are advised to choose the program that best fits their goals and experience. For more information, connect with a program advisor by emailing executive_education@hbs.edu or by calling +1.617.495.6555.
Key Benefits
- Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
- Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions
- Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
- Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions
Who Should Attend
- General partners of private equity and venture capital firms responsible for small funds
- Entrepreneurs who are 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
Attendance by multiple company representatives will foster teamwork and amplify the program's impact.
Executives with significant experience in private equity and venture capital are encouraged to explore our advanced investment management program, Private Equity and Venture Capital.

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.
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Who Should Attend
-
- General partners of private equity and venture capital firms responsible for small funds
- Entrepreneurs who are 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
Attendance by multiple company representatives will foster teamwork and amplify the program's impact.
Executives with significant experience in private equity and venture capital are encouraged to explore our advanced investment management program, Private Equity and Venture Capital.
Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.
Dive Deeper into the ExperienceThrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.
Learning and Living at HBS
When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.
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Learning and Living at HBS
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When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.
Admissions Criteria and Process
Answering Your Questions
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
Answering Your Questions
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
What You Will Learn
Through a rich learning experience that includes faculty presentations, case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises, you will develop a broader understanding of the best practices, core issues, and evolving trends in the private equity and venture capital industry. In the process, you will strengthen your problem-solving and decision-making skills and master new approaches to raising and investing capital.
Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.
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What You Will Learn
-
Through a rich learning experience that includes faculty presentations, case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises, you will develop a broader understanding of the best practices, core issues, and evolving trends in the private equity and venture capital industry. In the process, you will strengthen your problem-solving and decision-making skills and master new approaches to raising and investing capital.
Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.
Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All
Private equity and venture capital overviewPrivate equity and venture capital overview
- Surveying key limited partners
- Structuring deals and raising funds
- Analyzing term sheets and buyout structures
- Examining the financing structures used by venture capital investors
Establishing and growing a private equity fundEstablishing and growing a private equity fund
- Optimizing decision-making and strategies for exiting investments
- Managing the blocking and tackling of capital raising
- Examining the economics and incentives of general partner and limited partner relationships
Navigating an evolving investment industryNavigating an evolving investment industry
- Exploring the impact and future implications of globalization in the investment industry
- Understanding emerging challengers such as crowdfunding, special-purpose acquisition companies, and other alternative investment firms
Private equity and venture capital overview
- Surveying key limited partners
- Structuring deals and raising funds
- Analyzing term sheets and buyout structures
- Examining the financing structures used by venture capital investors
Establishing and growing a private equity fund
- Optimizing decision-making and strategies for exiting investments
- Managing the blocking and tackling of capital raising
- Examining the economics and incentives of general partner and limited partner relationships
Navigating an evolving investment industry
- Exploring the impact and future implications of globalization in the investment industry
- Understanding emerging challengers such as crowdfunding, special-purpose acquisition companies, and other alternative investment firms
The HBS Advantage
Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as 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.
Lovett-Learned Professor of Business Administration
Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
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The HBS Advantage
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Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as 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 CochairsLovett-Learned Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:FinanceJacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking
HBS Units:Entrepreneurial ManagementFinanceFacultySenior Lecturer of Business Administration
HBS Units:Entrepreneurial ManagementFinanceSenior Lecturer of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Entrepreneurial ManagementSenior Lecturer of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
Your Peers Expand Your Learning
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Your Peers Expand Your Learning
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Global PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroom.Global PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroom.4%Africa11%Asia Pacific20%Europe11%Latin America3%Middle East51%North America4%Africa11%Asia Pacific20%Europe11%Latin America3%Middle East51%North AmericaTop Industries RepresentedInsights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.28%Financial15%High Technology10%Professional Services8%Real Estate / Construction6%Health Care6%Retail Services5%Consumer Products4%Transportation4%ManufacturingTop Industries RepresentedInsights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.28%Financial15%High Technology10%Professional Services8%Real Estate / Construction6%Health Care6%Retail Services5%Consumer Products4%Transportation4%ManufacturingExperienceExperienceYears workedYears workedExperienceYears workedLess than 10 yearsLess than 10 years10-14 years10-14 years15-19 years15-19 years20-24 years20-24 years25-29 years25-29 years30-34 years30-34 years35-39 years35-39 years40 years or more40 years or moreLess than 10 yearsLess than 10 years10-14 years10-14 years15-19 years15-19 years20-24 years20-24 years25-29 years25-29 years30-34 years30-34 years35-39 years35-39 years40 years or more40 years or more
