Venture Capital Networks

Introduction

“Venture capitalists are committed to funding America’s most innovative entrepreneurs, working closely with them to transform breakthrough ideas into emerging growth companies that drive U.S. job creation and economic growth.”

—National Venture Capital Association, NVCA 2017

Entrepreneurship is the backbone of a developed economy and a robust venture capital (VC) industry is key to sustain entrepreneurship and economic development (Avnimelech and Teubal 2006; Bellavitis et al. 2017; Ferrary and Granovetter 2009; Wright et al. 2009). In 2016, U.S. VC firms invested $71B whereas their UK counterpart poured into the British economy $1.3B (in 2015).¹ However, U.S. and UK investments in venture-backed companies represent approximately ...