Raising Venture Capital Finance in Europe: A Practical Guide for Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Investors - Hardcover

Arundale, Keith

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0749448490 ISBN 13: 9780749448493

Publisher: Kogan Page, 2007

Synopsis

European private equity investment reached 47 billion Euros in 2005, up 27% from 2004. Funds raised for private equity were 72 billion Euros, up 250% on the previous year, both figures being all time highs. Raising Venture Capital Finance in Europe provides business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors alike with a step-by-step approach to exploiting this market and funding new projects effectively. Written by Keith Arundale, an advisor and commentator on the European and US VC and private equity industry for over 20 years, the guide blends business experience with practical approaches to enable the reader to maximize the opportunities available. The book includes a series of eighteen real-life case studies from venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from around Europe, each filled with practical tips for successfully raising venture capital finance. 

About this title

About the Author:

Keith Arundale has worked in the venture capital and private equity industry for over 20 years in both Europe and the US.  He founded Arundale Consulting Ltd in 2005.  He has also written the Guide to Private Equity for the British Venture Capital Association.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

1 Introduction to private equity

Definitions of private equity and venture capital

History of private equity in Europe

Development of the European private equity industry

The firepower of private equity

The contribution of private equity

European venture capital and technology investing

The advantages of private equity

How the private equity industry in Europe is funded

Limited liability partnerships and the fundraising process

Other types of fund

What you need to raise venture capital

Some common misconceptions of entrepreneurs in raising venture capital

2 Growth and trends in the European private equity marketplace

European private equity activity

Sources of European funds raised

Allocation of funds raised

European investment activity

Significance of European private equity in the global marketplace

Leading countries for private equity growth

High technology investments globally

High-tech investments in Europe and outlook for the industry

Europe closes the gap on the United States in technology investing

Lisbon agenda

Summary of EC initiatives on entrepreneurship

European Venture Capital and Private Equity Association

British Venture Capital Association

3 Issues facing the European private equity industry

Predominance of management buyout fundraising versus venture fundraising Diversity of returns made by different sectors of the industry

Management fees paid to private equity firms

Transparency and disclosure by private equity firms: relationships with limited partners and the press

Lack of private equity league tables

Guidelines for valuing unquoted investments

Creation of a single private equity market for Europe

Lack of pan-European stock exchange

Debt levels

Encroachment of hedge funds

Industry critics

4 European early-stage and technology venture capital investing

Firms specializing in early-stage and technology investing

Differences in approach between European and US venture capital firms

European emerging technology centres

University spinouts

'Hot' technology sectors for VC investment

5 What venture capitalists look for from a potential investee company

Sources of investment propositions

What the VCs are looking for

Ten critical factors for a start-up company

People (and management team)

Market

Technology

The 'back to basics' investment approach

Questions investors ask to determine company value

6 Sources of finance

The stages of growth of a company

Sources of finance

Maximizing internal financial resources

Friends and family

Business angels

Investment forums and networking organizations

Government grants and assistance -- UK and Europe

Lack of government spending with growth businesses

7 Sources of private equity and selecting a private equity firm

Different types of private equity firms

Stage/type of investment

Industry sector

Amount of investment

Geographical location

Corporate venture capital companies

How to select and target private equity firms

Approaching VCs with your proposition

'Elevator' pitches

8 The keys to a successful business plan

Purpose of the business plan

Valid business proposition

Essential areas to cover in the business plan

Executive summary

The market

The technology and product or service

The management team

Business operations

Financial projections

Amount and use of finance required and exit opportunities

Tips on the presentation of the business plan

Legal and regulatory issues

9 The investment process

Reaching the VC audience

Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements

How VCs evaluate the proposition

Presenting your business plan to the VC firm

Valuing the business

Types of financing structure

Structuring a VC deal

Tweaking the deal

The offer letter or term sheet

Syndication

The due diligence process

10 Tax and legal issues and role of professional advisers

Different tax and legal regimes around Europe

The financial adviser's role

The accountant's role

The lawyer's role

11 The ongoing relationship with the investor

How the VC firm can help the growth and success of an investee company

Hands-on approach

Hands-off approach

Help to avoid pitfalls

Directors' responsibilities

Guidelines for success

12 Exit routes

Exit options

Trade sale

Going public

Alternative Investment Market

Other European alternative markets

Concluding comments (and the 15 VC tips)

About this edition

• Publisher: Kogan Page
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0749448490
• ISBN 13: 9780749448493
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 336