IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/p/hal/journl/hal-04232855.html
   My bibliography  Save this paper

What do we know about startup-valuation drivers? A systematic literature review 1

Author

Listed:
  • Max Berre

    (Audencia Business School, UJML - Université Jean Moulin - Lyon 3 - Université de Lyon, Laboratoire de Recherche Magellan - UJML - Université Jean Moulin - Lyon 3 - Université de Lyon - Institut d'Administration des Entreprises (IAE) - Lyon)

  • Benjamin Le Pendeven

    (Audencia Recherche - Audencia Business School)

Abstract

Startup-valuation is a critical area of research within entrepreneurial finance, but research on this topic is less consistent and thorough than overall valuation research. Peer-reviewed studies express a range of divergent views and approaches, and the focus varies widely. To bring clarity to this fragmented field, we conduct a systematic literature review, examining 87 peer-reviewed studies published between 1985 and 2020. We analyze these publications in detail and identify 36 startupvaluation drivers and cluster them into five macro-themes: Entrepreneur Characteristics; Firm Characteristics; Investor Characteristics; Market Conditions; and Deal Conditions. We then describe the valuation-impact of these drivers on startups. The range of drivers identified in the literature gives rise to construction of an integrative meta-model based on the macro-themes, placed into appropriate chronological position in the valuation process Our study also identifies key research-gaps and highlights promising directions for exploring the startup-valuation field.

Suggested Citation

  • Max Berre & Benjamin Le Pendeven, 2023. "What do we know about startup-valuation drivers? A systematic literature review 1," Post-Print hal-04232855, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04232855
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://audencia.hal.science/hal-04232855
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://audencia.hal.science/hal-04232855/document
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Arthur Korteweg & Stefan Nagel, 2016. "Risk‐Adjusting the Returns to Venture Capital," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 71(3), pages 1437-1470, June.
    2. Macmillan, Ian C. & Zemann, Lauriann & Subbanarasimha, P. N., 1987. "Criteria distinguishing successful from unsuccessful ventures in the venture screening process," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 2(2), pages 123-137.
    3. Cumming, Douglas J., 2005. "Agency costs, institutions, learning, and taxation in venture capital contracting," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 20(5), pages 573-622, September.
    4. Hanna Hottenrott & Bronwyn H. Hall & Dirk Czarnitzki, 2016. "Patents as quality signals? The implications for financing constraints on R&D," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(3), pages 197-217, April.
    5. Gilles Chemla & Michel A. Habib & Alexander Ljungqvist, 2007. "An Analysis of Shareholder Agreements," Journal of the European Economic Association, MIT Press, vol. 5(1), pages 93-121, March.
    6. Thomas J. Chemmanur & Elena Loutskina & Xuan Tian, 2014. "Corporate Venture Capital, Value Creation, and Innovation," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 27(8), pages 2434-2473.
    7. repec:cup:jfinqa:v:46:y:2011:i:06:p:1755-1793_00 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. Gompers, Paul A. & Gornall, Will & Kaplan, Steven N. & Strebulaev, Ilya A., 2020. "How do venture capitalists make decisions?," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 135(1), pages 169-190.
    9. Baum, Joel A. C. & Silverman, Brian S., 2004. "Picking winners or building them? Alliance, intellectual, and human capital as selection criteria in venture financing and performance of biotechnology startups," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 411-436, May.
    10. Sharon Poczter & Melanie Shapsis, 2018. "Gender disparity in angel financing," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 51(1), pages 31-55, June.
    11. Schwienbacher, Armin, 2013. "The entrepreneur's investor choice: The impact on later-stage firm development," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 528-545.
    12. Paolo Fulghieri, 2009. "Size and Focus of a Venture Capitalist's Portfolio," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 22(11), pages 4643-4680, November.
    13. Yael V. Hochberg & Alexander Ljungqvist & Yang Lu, 2007. "Whom You Know Matters: Venture Capital Networks and Investment Performance," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 62(1), pages 251-301, February.
    14. Jonathan B. Berk, 2004. "Valuation and Return Dynamics of New Ventures," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 17(1), pages 1-35.
    15. Kanniainen, Vesa & Keuschnigg, Christian, 2003. "The optimal portfolio of start-up firms in venture capital finance," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 9(5), pages 521-534, November.
    16. Andy Heughebaert & Sophie Manigart, 2012. "Firm Valuation in Venture Capital Financing Rounds: The Role of Investor Bargaining Power," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(3-4), pages 500-530, April.
    17. Inderst, Roman & Muller, Holger M., 2004. "The effect of capital market characteristics on the value of start-up firms," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 72(2), pages 319-356, May.
    18. Douglas Cumming & Uwe Walz, 2010. "Private equity returns and disclosure around the world," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 41(4), pages 727-754, May.
    19. Bayar, Onur & Chemmanur, Thomas J., 2011. "IPOs versus Acquisitions and the Valuation Premium Puzzle: A Theory of Exit Choice by Entrepreneurs and Venture Capitalists," Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 46(6), pages 1755-1793, December.
    20. Lars Hornuf & Matthias Neuenkirch, 2017. "Pricing shares in equity crowdfunding," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 48(4), pages 795-811, April.
    21. repec:dau:papers:123456789/4112 is not listed on IDEAS
    22. Black, Bernard S. & Gilson, Ronald J., 1998. "Venture capital and the structure of capital markets: banks versus stock markets," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 47(3), pages 243-277, March.
    23. Pollock, Timothy G. & Chen, Guoli & Jackson, Eric M. & Hambrick, Donald C., 2010. "How much prestige is enough? Assessing the value of multiple types of high-status affiliates for young firms," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 6-23, January.
    24. La Porta, Rafael & Lopez-de-Silanes, Florencio & Shleifer, Andrei & Vishny, Robert, 2000. "Investor protection and corporate governance," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 58(1-2), pages 3-27.
    25. Thomas J. Chemmanur & Zhaohui Chen, 2014. "Venture Capitalists Versus Angels: The Dynamics of Private Firm Financing Contracts," The Review of Corporate Finance Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 3(1-2), pages 39-86.
    26. Christoph Philipp Wessendorf & Jens Kegelmann & Orestis Terzidis, 2019. "Determinants of early-stage technology venture valuation by business angels and venture capitalists," International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 11(5), pages 489-520.
    27. Sean Nicholson, 2005. "Biotech-Pharmaceutical Alliances as a Signal of Asset and Firm Quality," The Journal of Business, University of Chicago Press, vol. 78(4), pages 1433-1464, July.
    28. Siegel, Robin & Siegel, Eric & Macmillan, Ian C., 1993. "Characteristics distinguishing high-growth ventures," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 8(2), pages 169-180, March.
    29. Hellmann, Thomas & Thiele, Veikko, 2015. "Friends or foes? The interrelationship between angel and venture capital markets," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(3), pages 639-653.
    30. Hsu, David H., 2007. "Experienced entrepreneurial founders, organizational capital, and venture capital funding," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(5), pages 722-741, June.
    31. Zheng, Yanfeng & Liu, Jing & George, Gerard, 2010. "The dynamic impact of innovative capability and inter-firm network on firm valuation: A longitudinal study of biotechnology start-ups," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 25(6), pages 593-609, November.
    32. Douglas Cumming, 2008. "Contracts and Exits in Venture Capital Finance," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 21(5), pages 1947-1982, September.
    33. Rocío Aliaga-Isla (PhD) & Alex Rialp (PhD), 2013. "Systematic review of immigrant entrepreneurship literature: previous findings and ways forward," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(9-10), pages 819-844, December.
    34. Junfu Zhang, 2011. "The advantage of experienced start-up founders in venture capital acquisition: evidence from serial entrepreneurs," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 36(2), pages 187-208, February.
    35. Alessandra Colombelli, 2010. "Alternative Investment Market: A Way to Promote Entrepreneurship," Journal of Industry, Competition and Trade, Springer, vol. 10(3), pages 253-274, September.
    36. Andrei A. Kirilenko, 2001. "Valuation and Control in Venture Finance," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 56(2), pages 565-587, April.
    37. Murnieks, Charles Y. & Cardon, Melissa S. & Sudek, Richard & White, T. Daniel & Brooks, Wade T., 2016. "Drawn to the fire: The role of passion, tenacity and inspirational leadership in angel investing," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 468-484.
    38. Janney, Jay J. & Folta, Timothy B., 2003. "Signaling through private equity placements and its impact on the valuation of biotechnology firms," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 361-380, May.
    39. Patrick Röhm & Andreas Köhn & Andreas Kuckertz & Hermann S. Dehnen, 2018. "A world of difference? The impact of corporate venture capitalists’ investment motivation on startup valuation," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 88(3), pages 531-557, May.
    40. Cumming, Douglas & Dai, Na, 2011. "Fund size, limited attention and valuation of venture capital backed firms," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 2-15, January.
    41. Block, Joern H. & De Vries, Geertjan & Schumann, Jan H. & Sandner, Philipp, 2014. "Trademarks and venture capital valuation," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 29(4), pages 525-542.
    42. Gornall, Will & Strebulaev, Ilya A., 2020. "Squaring venture capital valuations with reality," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 135(1), pages 120-143.
    43. Broughman, Brian J. & Fried, Jesse M., 2012. "Do VCs use inside rounds to dilute founders? Some evidence from Silicon Valley," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 18(5), pages 1104-1120.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Que, Jiangjing & Zhang, Xueyong, 2021. "Money chasing hot industries? Investor attention and valuation of venture capital backed firms," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    2. Andreas Köhn, 2018. "The determinants of startup valuation in the venture capital context: a systematic review and avenues for future research," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 68(1), pages 3-36, February.
    3. Rin, Marco Da & Hellmann, Thomas & Puri, Manju, 2013. "A Survey of Venture Capital Research," Handbook of the Economics of Finance, in: G.M. Constantinides & M. Harris & R. M. Stulz (ed.), Handbook of the Economics of Finance, volume 2, chapter 0, pages 573-648, Elsevier.
    4. Lohwasser, Todor S., 2020. "Meta-analyzing the relative performance of venture capital-backed firms," Discussion Papers of the Institute for Organisational Economics 4/2020, University of Münster, Institute for Organisational Economics.
    5. Massimo G. Colombo & Benedetta Montanaro & Silvio Vismara, 2023. "What drives the valuation of entrepreneurial ventures? A map to navigate the literature and research directions," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 61(1), pages 59-84, June.
    6. Banal-Estañol, Albert & Macho-Stadler, Inés & Nieto-Postigo, Jonás & Pérez-Castrillo, David, 2023. "Early individual stakeholders, first venture capital investment, and exit in the UK startup ecosystem," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    7. Wang, Lanfang & Wang, Susheng, 2012. "Economic freedom and cross-border venture capital performance," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 19(1), pages 26-50.
    8. Johannes Wallmeroth & Peter Wirtz & Alexander Peter Groh, 2017. "Institutional Seed Financing, Angel Financing, and Crowdfunding of Entrepreneurial Ventures: A Literature Review," Working Papers hal-01527999, HAL.
    9. Wang, Lanfang & Wang, Susheng, 2017. "Buybacks as an efficient strategy for venture capital in emerging markets," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 107-123.
    10. Anita Quas & Jose Martí & Carmelo Reverte, 2021. "What money cannot buy: a new approach to measure venture capital ability to add non-financial resources," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 57(3), pages 1361-1382, October.
    11. Tereza Tykvová, 2018. "Venture capital and private equity financing: an overview of recent literature and an agenda for future research," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 88(3), pages 325-362, May.
    12. Chortareas, Georgios E. & Girardone, Claudia & Ventouri, Alexia, 2013. "Financial freedom and bank efficiency: Evidence from the European Union," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 37(4), pages 1223-1231.
    13. Hellmann, Thomas & Thiele, Veikko, 2022. "May the force be with you: Investor power and company valuations," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    14. Carolin Bock & Christian Hackober, 2020. "Unicorns—what drives multibillion-dollar valuations?," Business Research, Springer;German Academic Association for Business Research, vol. 13(3), pages 949-984, November.
    15. Patrick Röhm & Andreas Köhn & Andreas Kuckertz & Hermann S. Dehnen, 2018. "A world of difference? The impact of corporate venture capitalists’ investment motivation on startup valuation," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 88(3), pages 531-557, May.
    16. Hoenen, Sebastian & Kolympiris, Christos & Schoenmakers, Wilfred & Kalaitzandonakes, Nicholas, 2014. "The diminishing signaling value of patents between early rounds of venture capital financing," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(6), pages 956-989.
    17. Andrew Metrick & Ayako Yasuda, 2011. "Venture Capital and Other Private Equity: a Survey," European Financial Management, European Financial Management Association, vol. 17(4), pages 619-654, September.
    18. Christos Kolympiris & Sebastian Hoenen & Nicholas Kalaitzandonakes, 2018. "Geographic distance between venture capitalists and target firms and the value of quality signals," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 27(1), pages 189-220.
    19. Berger, Marius & Gottschalk, Sandra, 2021. "Financing and advising early stage startups: The effect of angel investor subsidies," ZEW Discussion Papers 21-069, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    20. Jens Burchardt & Ulrich Hommel & Dzidziso Samuel Kamuriwo & Carolina Billitteri, 2016. "Venture Capital Contracting in Theory and Practice: Implications for Entrepreneurship Research," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 40(1), pages 25-48, January.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04232855. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: CCSD (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.