What Explains the Recent Tremendous Growth in Private Equity Funds? How Have These Funds Created so Much Value? Can We Expect This Kind of Growth in Other Countries and Other Types of Investments? The pool of U.S. private equity funds has grown from $5 billion in 1980 to over $175 billion in 1999. Private equity's recent growth has outstripped that of almost every class of financial product. Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking private equity finance, a private equity investor grappling with the industry's changes, or an investor interested in private equity as a potential investment, this book is required reading! It presents a collection of real world cases-supplemented by detailed industry notes-that explore the exciting and dynamic world of venture capital and buyout funds. The organization mirrors that of the venture capital/private equity process itself: * The first part explores the raising and structuring of private equity funds, as well as the perspective of investors. * The second part explores the selection,oversight, and adding value to firms-the 'heart' of the private equity cycle. * The third part describes how private equity groups reap attractive returns from successful investments. * The final section explores the emerging efforts to translate the private equity model into other settings, such as corporate venturing programs.