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Skill versus reliability in venture capital

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  • Khanna, Naveen
  • Mathews, Richmond D.

Abstract

We study competition for startups among VCs with heterogeneous skill. VCs with established skill face two impediments. First, less established VCs compete aggressively for new startups in order to establish a reputation. Second, startups also value reliability in their VCs, which imposes a higher cost on established VCs because they have better outside options. As a result, startups “over-experiment” by excessively partnering with less established VCs, which crowds out established skill and reduces social welfare. Established VCs are hurt because they need to pay more to attract startups, lose profitable opportunities, and face increased competition from newly established VCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Khanna, Naveen & Mathews, Richmond D., 2022. "Skill versus reliability in venture capital," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 145(2), pages 41-63.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:145:y:2022:i:2:p:41-63
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2021.07.007
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    Cited by:

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    2. Hernández, Juan & Wills, Daniel, 2024. "Fighting for the Best, Losing with the Rest: The Perils of Competition in Entrepreneurial Finance," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 13362, Inter-American Development Bank.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Venture capital; Competition; Skill; Reputation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation

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