This course is designed to provide a practitioner’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities of venture capital investing in private, entrepreneurial companies (or for entrepreneurs seeking such investment). While there is no substitute for hands-on investing experience, the course is designed to introduce you to venture capital best-practice frameworks and the challenges of applying them using real world examples. The first portion of the course will focus on evaluating and structuring early-stage investments, using a combination of case discussion, classroom exercises, and “live” deals. The remainder of the course will feature guest speakers, case discussions and readings that expose students to venture capital practitioners and the practical challenges they encounter, including working with portfolio companies and boards post-investment through to the exit. Throughout the term, the course will emphasize active discussion and experiential learning. Note that the readings and situations discussed in class will focus on venture capital investing, but many of the concepts covered are also generally relevant to private equity investing in private companies. Field Studies in Venture Capital (FSVC) is required for any first year students desiring to apply for and participate in the Early Stage Venture Capital Workshop Practicum (PRVCW) during their second year Fall or Winter terms as the PRVCW will pick up where FSVC leaves off.