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The Optimality of Multi-stage Venture Capital Financing: An Option-Theoretic Approach

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  • Robert Dubil

    (University of Connecticut)

Abstract

For venture capital firms, facing undiversifiable risks, multi-staged financing is an optimal contract which offers significant risk reduction at a cost of only slightly lower potential return. The optimality does not depend on the presence of moral hazard and agency problems. Our theoretical model of multi-stage financing, largely based on Asian option pricing theory, allows us to compute the risk reduction ratio due to multi-staging. The return on a staged financing plan is equivalent to an exchange of a straight equity stake for that acquired through stochastic averaging over time. We compare standard deviation ratios for staged vs. up-front financings as well as across asset classes. We find that risk mitigation due to multi-staging is significant in and of itself and enough to markedly improve venture capital’s risk-reward ratios relative to alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Dubil, 2004. "The Optimality of Multi-stage Venture Capital Financing: An Option-Theoretic Approach," Journal of Entrepreneurial Finance, Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business and Management, vol. 9(3), pages 1-14, Fall.
    • Handle: RePEc:pep:journl:v:9:y:2004:i:3:p:1-14
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Michael Ewens & Charles M. Jones & Matthew Rhodes-Kropf, 2013. "The Price of Diversifiable Risk in Venture Capital and Private Equity," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 26(8), pages 1854-1889.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Venture Capital; Options;

    JEL classification:

    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • G13 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Contingent Pricing; Futures Pricing

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