The Entrepreneur's Information Sourcebook


Book Description

For 21st-century entrepreneurs, this book provides the practical guidance they need to overcome the often intimidating challenges of starting, organizing, and running a new business effectively and efficiently. The economic downturn has many individuals considering going into business for themselves, rather than relying on an employer for their income. Unfortunately, according to data from the Small Business Administration, the odds of long-term success are against them: 69 percent of businesses do not last past seven years and 56 percent fail in less than four. This book provides entrepreneurs with a comprehensive guide to the resources they need or will likely want to consult when starting a small business—and in order to stay profitable over the long run. The Entrepreneur's Information Sourcebook: Charting the Path to Small Business Success, Second Edition provides the expert guidance and up-to-date print and web resources an entrepreneur may need to make his business thrive and grow, from inception and information gathering, to raising capital, to marketing methods and human resource concerns. Nearly half of the resources in this newly updated book are new, and the essays have also been updated to reflect current business practices. This book is an essential tool that provides quick and easy access to the information every small business owner needs.




Venture Capital and Private Equity


Book Description

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.