Venture Capital Asset Management
Venture capital is crucial to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem – but the path to becoming a successful venture capitalist, or VC investor (a limited partner), is often long and uncertain. Traditionally, this path involves a lengthy apprenticeship, potential losses for limited partners, and navigating at least one business cycle.
IMD’s Venture Capital Asset Management program is designed to accelerate your journey by providing the practical tools and insights needed to navigate the risks and opportunities of venture capital investing.
Through a unique learning journey, blending theory and practical application, you will deepen your understanding of the art of smart investment decisions. The program features two days of research and practitioner-driven learning, followed by a two-day live, competitive simulation that replicates a 10-year fund lifecycle, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. Learn from seasoned academics and professionals in the field, partners in the industry and a rich network of peers.
Answer a few quick questions to discover if this program aligns with your goals and experience.
Talk with a Program Advisor to get personalized guidance and answers to your questions.
“Winning, making money is a better alternative than just protecting against losses.”
CEO and Managing Partner, Key Family Partners SA, Switzerland
An excellent program that covers a lot. The speakers and practitioners were great. I really enjoyed the experience and the people I met. I’ve already recommended it to a colleague.
Financial Innovation Lead, World Economic Forum, Switzerland
A fantastic line-up from start to finish! I very much enjoyed the program and the engaging combination of expert insights, peer exchange, and actionable frameworks.
Business & Ecosystems Development Manager, Nestlé Purina Petcare, Switzerland
This program changed my perspective. Understanding the various stakeholders’ objectives and interests is very helpful for interacting with venture capitalists.
“Entrepreneurs move society forward. Without them, it stagnates. We need entrepreneurs to do big, bold things that help solve the world’s problems. And we need the VCs who support them financially. VCs’ access to capital typically comes from people and organizations that don’t understand the world of venturing, or what drives entrepreneurs. Helping these organizations is the goal of this research project and the programs it spawns.”
Jim Pulcrano is Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management. He has extensive expertise in entrepreneurship, particularly startup culture, strategy, customer centricity, marketing, and disruption.
A former Executive Director at IMD, Pulcrano runs the annual IMD Startup Competition and teaches entrepreneurship courses for Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency. He works with a range of individuals, corporations, startups, and not-for-profit organizations on projects at the interface of…
Jim Pulcrano is Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management. He has extensive expertise in entrepreneurship, particularly startup culture, strategy, customer centricity, marketing, and disruption.
A former Executive Director at IMD, Pulcrano runs the annual IMD Startup Competition and…
Jim Pulcrano is Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management. He has extensive expertise in entrepreneurship, particularly startup culture, strategy, customer centricity, marketing, and disruption.
A former Executive Director at IMD,…
- Introduction to venture capital asset management
- Why not invest directly in startups?
- The functioning of a venture capital firm
- Term sheets and shareholder agreements
- How do you decide? 5 early-stage case examples
- The art and science of valuations
- Making the decision and extracting value
- Incorporating ESG into your decision
- Exit planning and exit dynamics
- How pension funds see venture capital
- Valuation skills and investing biases
- Fireside chat with Speedinvest
- Timeframes for success
- AI for VC
- Preparing for the simulation challenge
- Introduction to portfolio fund management
- Navigating the 10-15 year fund lifecycle
- Strategies for venture capital funds
- Fundraising from limited partners as a professional sales process
- Term sheets and deal construction
- Constructing your portfolio
- Engaging effectively with limited partners
- Limited partner reporting
- Co-investing and building networks
- Designing your value creation playbook
- Planning your exit strategy
- Defining and delivering fund and team performance
- Closing thoughts
Note: The content of the sessions and guest speakers might slightly vary depending on the cohort.
Length: 4 days
