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Connected VCs and strategic alliances: Evidence from biotech companies

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  • Brinster, Leonhard
  • Tykvová, Tereza

Abstract

We study a new channel through which portfolio companies benefit from ties among venture capitalists (VCs). By tracing individual VCs' investment and syndication histories, we show that VCs' ties improve companies' access to strategic alliance partners. While existing studies demonstrate that alliances are more frequent among companies sharing the same VC, we provide evidence that alliances are also more frequent among companies indirectly connected through VC syndication networks. In addition, our results suggest that VCs' ties mitigate asymmetric information problems that arise when alliances are formed. Finally, strategic alliances between companies from connected VCs' portfolios tend to perform well. We demonstrate that this type of alliance is associated with higher IPO chances. We also address alternative explanations and related endogeneity concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Brinster, Leonhard & Tykvová, Tereza, 2021. "Connected VCs and strategic alliances: Evidence from biotech companies," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:66:y:2021:i:c:s0929119920302790
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2020.101835
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhiyi Qiu & Bingyi Liu & Ye Yang, 2023. "Like Performance, Perfect Match: Role of Past Performance in Venture Capital Syndication," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.
    2. Song, Tianyi & Kutsuna, Kenji, 2023. "Venture capital investment and institutional factors: Evidence from China," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    3. Baxamusa, Mufaddal & Jha, Anand & Raman, K.K., 2024. "Strategic alliances and shared auditors," Journal of Financial Stability, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    4. Chen, Li-Yu & Lai, Jung-Ho & Chang, Shao-Chi, 2022. "Strategic networks, certification, and initial public offerings," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Venture capital; Strategic alliance; Prior ties; Connected venture capital investors; Transaction and information costs; Biotechnology;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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