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Executive Education
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital Right arrow OverviewCurriculumTeaching TeamParticipant Profile
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital Right arrow OverviewCurriculumTeaching TeamParticipant Profile

Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital

Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital
  • Upcoming Session
  • Previous (1 of 1) Next
    Status: Accepting Applications
  • 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
  • The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals.
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Christy Rutherford

"HBS is a great place to continue to build relationships and network with other leaders from around the world."

Christy Rutherford
Founder and CEO, Live-Up Leadership, U.S.
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Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Christy Rutherford

"HBS is a great place to continue to build relationships and network with other leaders from around the world."

Christy Rutherford
Founder and CEO, Live-Up Leadership, U.S.
Read Her Story
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Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
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  • Overview
  • Curriculum
  • Teaching Team
  • Participant Profile
  • Participant Stories
  • Participant Profile Dropdown down
    • Overview
    • Curriculum
    • Teaching Team
    • Participant Profile
    • Participant Stories
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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

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

Providing deep insight into the landscape, players, and trends in private equity and venture capital, this new program boosts your investment expertise at every stage of the deal structuring and fundraising process. You will return to your company with the skills, strategies, and confidence to target the right investors, find the best deals, and raise the capital for your first-time fund.
Read More
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Understand industry models—from venture capital to growth equity to buyouts
Broaden your knowledge of industry processes and terminology
Assess the implications of different deal structures and terms
Establish a successful private equity/venture capital partnership structure
Expand your personal and professional network
  • 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

Key Benefits Dropdown up

Key Benefits Dropdown down

Providing deep insight into the landscape, players, and trends in private equity and venture capital, this new program boosts your investment expertise at every stage of the deal structuring and fundraising process. You will return to your company with the skills, strategies, and confidence to target the right investors, find the best deals, and raise the capital for your first-time fund.
Understand industry models—from venture capital to growth equity to buyouts
Broaden your knowledge of industry processes and terminology
Assess the implications of different deal structures and terms
Establish a successful private equity/venture capital partnership structure
Expand your personal and professional network
  • 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.

Dive Deeper into the Experience
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We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?
Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.
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Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.
Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
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Inside the ClassroomInside the Classroom
See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.
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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 Experience
Play video
Play video
We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?
Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
Play video
Play video
Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.
Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
Play video
Play video
Inside the ClassroomInside the Classroom
See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
Previous Next

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.

Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

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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.

Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.
Read More
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Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown up

Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown down

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

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.

Dropdown down Dropdown up

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
Dropdown down
  • 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
Dropdown down
  • 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
Dropdown down
  • 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

Key Topics Dropdown up

Key Topics Dropdown down

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.

Faculty Cochairs
Victoria Ivashina
Victoria Ivashina
Victoria Ivashina

Victoria Ivashina

Lovett-Learned Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Finance

Read Full Bio

Josh Lerner
Josh Lerner
Josh Lerner

Josh Lerner

Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking

HBS Units:
Entrepreneurial Management
Finance

Read Full Bio

Faculty
Nori Gerardo Lietz
Nori Gerardo Lietz
Nori Gerardo Lietz

Nori Gerardo Lietz

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Units:
Entrepreneurial Management
Finance

Read Full Bio

Gary W. Loveman
Gary W. Loveman
Gary W. Loveman

Gary W. Loveman

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Finance

Read Full Bio

Jim Matheson
Jim Matheson
Jim Matheson

Jim Matheson

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Entrepreneurial Management

Read Full Bio

Kevin P. Mohan
Kevin P. Mohan
Kevin P. Mohan

Kevin P. Mohan

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Dropdown down Dropdown up

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.

Faculty Cochairs
Victoria Ivashina
Victoria Ivashina
Victoria Ivashina

Victoria Ivashina

Lovett-Learned Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Finance

Read Full Bio

Josh Lerner
Josh Lerner
Josh Lerner

Josh Lerner

Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking

HBS Units:
Entrepreneurial Management
Finance

Read Full Bio

Faculty
Nori Gerardo Lietz
Nori Gerardo Lietz
Nori Gerardo Lietz

Nori Gerardo Lietz

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Units:
Entrepreneurial Management
Finance

Read Full Bio

Gary W. Loveman
Gary W. Loveman
Gary W. Loveman

Gary W. Loveman

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Finance

Read Full Bio

Jim Matheson
Jim Matheson
Jim Matheson

Jim Matheson

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Entrepreneurial Management

Read Full Bio

Kevin P. Mohan
Kevin P. Mohan
Kevin P. Mohan

Kevin P. Mohan

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Global Perspective Map Desktop Global Perspective Map Tablet
Global Perspective
Experience the world in your classroom.
Global Perspective
Experience the world in your classroom.
4%
Africa
11%
Asia Pacific
20%
Europe
11%
Latin America
3%
Middle East
51%
North America
4%Africa
11%Asia Pacific
20%Europe
11%Latin America
3%Middle East
51%North America
4%
11%
20%
11%
3%
51%
Top Industries Represented
Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.
Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.
28%
Financial
15%
High Technology
10%
Professional Services
8%
Real Estate / Construction
6%
Health Care
6%
Retail Services
5%
Consumer Products
4%
Transportation
4%
Manufacturing
Top Industries Represented
Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.
28%
Financial
15%
High Technology
10%
Professional Services
8%
Real Estate / Construction
6%
Health Care
6%
Retail Services
5%
Consumer Products
4%
Transportation
4%
Manufacturing
Experience
Experience
Years worked
Years worked
Experience
Years worked
9% Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years
17% 10-14 years10-14 years
17% 15-19 years15-19 years
20% 20-24 years20-24 years
19% 25-29 years25-29 years
9% 30-34 years30-34 years
4% 35-39 years35-39 years
5% 40 years or more40 years or more
9% Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years
17% 10-14 years10-14 years
17% 15-19 years15-19 years
20% 20-24 years20-24 years
19% 25-29 years25-29 years
9% 30-34 years30-34 years
4% 35-39 years35-39 years
5% 40 years or more40 years or more
Participating Companies Have Included:
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
Previous Next
Dropdown down Dropdown up

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Global Perspective Map Desktop Global Perspective Map Tablet
Global Perspective
Experience the world in your classroom.
Global Perspective
Experience the world in your classroom.
4%
Africa
11%
Asia Pacific
20%
Europe
11%
Latin America
3%
Middle East
51%
North America
4%Africa
11%Asia Pacific
20%Europe
11%Latin America
3%Middle East
51%North America
4%
11%
20%
11%
3%
51%
Top Industries Represented
Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.
Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.
28%
Financial
15%
High Technology
10%
Professional Services
8%
Real Estate / Construction
6%
Health Care
6%
Retail Services
5%
Consumer Products
4%
Transportation
4%
Manufacturing
Top Industries Represented
Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.
28%
Financial
15%
High Technology
10%
Professional Services
8%
Real Estate / Construction
6%
Health Care
6%
Retail Services
5%
Consumer Products
4%
Transportation
4%
Manufacturing
Experience
Experience
Years worked
Years worked
Experience
Years worked
9% Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years
17% 10-14 years10-14 years
17% 15-19 years15-19 years
20% 20-24 years20-24 years
19% 25-29 years25-29 years
9% 30-34 years30-34 years
4% 35-39 years35-39 years
5% 40 years or more40 years or more
9% Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years
17% 10-14 years10-14 years
17% 15-19 years15-19 years
20% 20-24 years20-24 years
19% 25-29 years25-29 years
9% 30-34 years30-34 years
4% 35-39 years35-39 years
5% 40 years or more40 years or more
Participating Companies Have Included:
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
Previous Next
ApplyDownload Brochure
ApplyDownload Brochure
ApplyDownload Brochure
More Admissions Information
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.
Apply
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Apply
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Christy Rutherford

"HBS is a great place to continue to build relationships and network with other leaders from around the world."

Christy Rutherford
Founder and CEO, Live-Up Leadership, U.S.
Read Her Story
Apply
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Christy Rutherford

"HBS is a great place to continue to build relationships and network with other leaders from around the world."

Christy Rutherford
Founder and CEO, Live-Up Leadership, U.S.
Read Her Story
Download Brochure
Apply
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
diverse group of male and female participants walking from class in Hawes Hall
Finance Comparison Chart
Compare programs at-a-glance to find what's right for you.
Learn More
Apply
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
diverse group of male and female participants walking from class in Hawes Hall
Finance Comparison Chart
Compare programs at-a-glance to find what's right for you.
Learn More
Download Brochure
Apply
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Apply
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Apply
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
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