The primary focus of this course is on the financial challenges confronting small and medium sized businesses that are growing rapidly or aspire to rapid growth. In particular we will concentrate on (1) understanding the nature of the financing problems that confront these firms at critical junctures in their development, (2) becoming familiar with the many sources of funds for these firms with particular emphasis on angel investments, bank loans, institutional venture capital and public issue of equity (3) becoming familiar with the tax and regulatory environment within which such financing is obtained, and most importantly, (4) learning the key elements that enter into the structuring of the “deal” between demanders and suppliers of funds. A secondary focus of the course is on the special financing concerns related to management and ownership succession within family firms. Prerequisites BU383 and BU393.
