Synergizing Ventures

Abstract

Empirically, VC-backed startups have higher early growth rates and patenting levels than non-VC-backed ones. Venture capitalists increase a startup's likelihood of reaching the right tails of the firm size and innovation distributions. Furthermore, outcomes are better for startups matched with more experienced venture capitalists. An endogenous growth model, where venture capitalists provide both expertise and financing for business startups, is constructed to match these facts. The presence of venture capital, the degree of assortative matching between startups and financiers, and the taxation of VC-backed startups matter significantly for growth.

Keywords: assortative matching, endogenous growth, IPO, management, mergers and acquisitions, research and development, selection effects, startups, synergies, taxation, treatment effects, venture capital

JEL Classification: E13, E22, G24, L26, O16, O31, O40