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The determinants of startup valuation in the venture capital context: a systematic review and avenues for future research

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  • Andreas Köhn

    (University of Hohenheim)

Abstract

Startup valuation in the venture capital (VC) context is often said to be more art than science. In view of this, it is particularly important to be aware of and understand the different underlying determinants that affect the valuation of startups. This paper conducts a systematic review of the existing empirical literature to illustrate the determinants of startup valuations in the VC context. Beyond that, the paper seeks to provide an organizing structure to the current literature as well as to detect academic voids and directions for future research. To achieve these goals, it develops an integrative framework for the factors determining startup valuations in the VC environment, which should be of use to both practitioners and researchers. That framework illustrates how startup valuations in the VC context are shaped by a three-sided interplay of factors related to startups, venture capitalists, and the external environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Köhn, 2018. "The determinants of startup valuation in the venture capital context: a systematic review and avenues for future research," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 68(1), pages 3-36, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manrev:v:68:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s11301-017-0131-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11301-017-0131-5
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Startups; Valuation; Venture capital; Entrepreneurial finance; Literature review;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups

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