Linking prefunding venture structure and venture capital exit performance

Abstract

This study investigates the state of the art on venture capital (VC) success prediction and compares it to the findings on general start up performance, and new technology-based venture (NTBV) performance in particular. It is still generally believed that the factors responsible for general venture performance also drive VC performance. This study argues that there is a need for differentiation: VCs and founders pursue different goals, and VC funded ventures grow under different conditions than their non-funded counterparts. Results of a structured literature review show, while team-related predictors have a comparatively lower impact, market related predictors have a higher impact on exit performance than on NTBV performance. Also, VC-specific predictors like timing and distance are shown to have an influence on exit performance.