A critical re-examination of the academic literature on venture capital networks

Abstract

This paper proposes a critical re-examination of the recent trends of the literature on venture capital networks. This brief review thoroughly scrutinises three papers that are representative of the recent academic literature in this field of study. I identify their points of strength and limitations, in order to pave the way for future research. This paper shows that the study of network weak and informal ties and the role of risk management strategies are promising areas for pushing the frontiers of research on venture capital networks. Extending our knowledge on this topic is crucial to understand the best strategic decisions venture capital firms should take, as parts of an inter-organisational network. I contribute to the extant literature by critically analysing a stream of literature that is important from both a scientific and managerial point of views. Moreover, this paper poses interesting questions to be addressed by future research.