Endogenous networks in investment syndication

Abstract

As an effective investment strategy, investors often invest jointly in a company by forming a syndicate. The unique feature of this paper is that it endogenizes the formation of an investment syndicate. We provide a theory on the endogenous formation of networks in investment syndication and analyze how several key factors such as risk aversion, productivity, risk and cost affect incentive and syndicated investment. We also apply the theory to venture capital investment and identify empirical evidence in support of it.