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Why is it so Hard to Value Intangibles? Evidence from Investments in High-Technology Start-Ups

Author

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  • Reid, Gavin C
  • Smith, Julia A

Abstract

The paper uses a range of primary-source empirical evidence to address the question: ‘why is it to hard to value intangible assets?’ The setting is venture capital investment in high technology companies. While the investors are risk specialists and financial experts, the entrepreneurs are more knowledgeable about product innovation. Thus the context lends itself to analysis within a principal-agent framework, in which information asymmetry may give rise to adverse selection, pre-contract, and moral hazard, post-contract. We examine how the investor might attenuate such problems and attach a value to such high-tech investments in what are often merely intangible assets, through expert due diligence, monitoring and control. Qualitative evidence is used to qualify the more clear cut picture provided by a principal-agent approach to a more mixed picture in which the ‘art and science’ of investment appraisal are utilised by both parties alike

Suggested Citation

  • Reid, Gavin C & Smith, Julia A, 2008. "Why is it so Hard to Value Intangibles? Evidence from Investments in High-Technology Start-Ups," SIRE Discussion Papers 2008-29, Scottish Institute for Research in Economics (SIRE).
    • Handle: RePEc:edn:sirdps:42
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10943/42
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Li, Shu-Hsing & Balachandran, Kashi R, 2000. "Collusion Proof Transfer Payment Schemes with Multiple Agents," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 217-233, November.
    2. Gelb, David S & Siegel, Philip, 2000. "Intangible Assets and Corporate Signaling," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 15(4), pages 307-323, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Smith, Julia A. & Cordina, Renzo, 2014. "The role of accounting in high-technology investments," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 46(3), pages 309-322.

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