IC309-Private Equity and Venture Capital
Module Provider: ICMA Centre
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0
Email: k.arundale@icmacentre.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
The objective of the Private Equity and Venture Capital module, which is delivered at the University of Reading, is to develop students’ appreciation of the practical aspects of investing by private equity and venture capital firms, understanding the dynamics between the venture capital investor and the entrepreneur, and also the practicalities of raising PE&VC funds from institutional investors. The focus of the module is on venture capital and high-growth ventures from the viewpoints of both the entrepreneur or management team and of the investing institution (general partner), although private equity as a whole is covered (including management buyout transactions) as well as the relationship between the private equity or venture capital firm and its own investors (limited partner institutions). This is a highly practical module; extensive use will be made of case studies and a group project in addition to guest lectures from invited experienced practitioners or entrepreneurs.?
Aims:
To familiarise students with the practicalities of the private equity and venture capital investment process.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
Understand the characteristics of private equity as an alternative asset class and the different strategies for establishing a private equity or venture capital fund.
Understand the current issues and challenges facing the private equity and venture capital industry.
Be able to prepare a business plan for the purpose of raising finance and to appraise it as an investment executive.
Be aware of the composition of a private placement memorandum for raising a private equity fund and the basic terms and conditions which codify the obligations of, and the relationship between, the general partner and the limited partners.
Understand the private equity investment process and how private equity and venture capital firms assess, structure and monitor their deals for both venture capital deals and management buyouts. Be able to negotiate a basic term sheet.
Understand how the private equity and venture capital firms monitor and aim to add value to their investments.
Be conversant with the principal exit routes and how private equity firms and venture capital firms make a return on their investments.
Additional outcomes:
The module offers students the opportunity to work together to develop team-building ?skills as they discuss the case studies and prepare ?a business plan in their groups.?
Outline content:
What is private equity and venture capital?
How private equity and venture capital funds work
Business planning process
Selecting and approaching private equity and venture capital firms
Venture capital and the venture capital investment process
Management buyouts
The due diligence process
Different strategies for investment
Living with the private equity or VC investor
Exit routes, including IPOs and trade sales.
Global context:
Trends in private equity and venture capital are covered in the global context.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The core theory and concepts will be presented during 10 X 2 hour lectures (summary content of each shown above), supplemented by 10 x 1 hour seminars (class exercises and discussion of various cases, drawn from the lecturer’s range of contacts with venture capital firms, business angels and entrepreneurs). Guest speakers from the venture capital industry and/or ?entrepreneurs will be invited to discuss practical issues related to the topics covered on the course. Students will engage, in groups, in the preparation of a business plan.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 20 | ||
| Seminars | 10 | ||
| Guided independent study: | |||
| Wider reading (independent) | 20 | ||
| Wider reading (directed) | 20 | ||
| Exam revision/preparation | 30 | ||
| Preparation for seminars | 10 | ||
| Completion of formative assessment tasks | 70 | ||
| Reflection | 20 | ||
| Total hours by term | 0 | 200 | 0 |
| Total hours for module | 200 |
| Method | Percentage |
| Written exam | 60 |
| Written assignment including essay | 40 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
2 hours closed book written examination
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Group preparation of a business plan for real-life or fictitious technology or other sector focused high-growth company
One coursework exercise, as noted above, 5,000 words, excluding appendices. To be submitted by last week of lectures.
Formative assessment methods:
Feedback provided on coursework business plan project prior to written examination.
Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%
Reassessment arrangements:
By written examination only, as part of the overall examination arrangements for the BSc programme.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books: Available free of charge on BlackBoard 2) Specialist equipment or materials: 3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 4) Printing and binding: 5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:
Last updated: 8 April 2019
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.