Concepts, Case-studies and Career-paths in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Industry
Private equity and venture capital are key drivers of economic growth, innovation and value creation in modern economies. This course offers a comprehensive and practice-oriented introduction to the PE/VC industry – from investment logic and valuation to real-life deals and career opportunities. Delivered in collaboration with EstVCA and industry practitioners, the course provides first-hand insights into how investment decisions are made and how capital is used to build high-growth businesses.
Concepts, Case-studies and Career-paths in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Industry is in preparation
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The key value of this course lies in its strong practical orientation and direct access to the private equity and venture capital field.
Participants go beyond theory by working with real-world case studies, gaining insights into both investor and entrepreneur perspectives, and applying professional tools for valuation, risk management and value creation. The course provides a solid foundation for engaging with PE/VC investors or pursuing a career within the private equity and venture capital ecosystem, while linking financial decision-making with sustainability and long-term economic development.
Who is Concepts, Case-studies and Career-paths in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Industry intended for?
This course is designed for students and professionals who want to understand how the private equity and venture capital field operates and how it supports company growth and economic development. It is particularly suitable for those involved or interested in investment, entrepreneurship, financial analysis and who seek to make more informed decisions about capital raising or explore career opportunities within the PE/VC ecosystem.
Explore the course
The course will take place on period March until April on Wednesday evening. There are no recordings.
Topics Covered
This session provides an overview of private equity and venture capital as a source of financing, an investment class and a driver of economic growth. We examine the role of PE/VC in company development, its economic impact, and links to ESG and sustainability.
An introduction to the key players in the PE/VC field, sources of capital and market structure. The session also outlines the historical development of PE/VC and highlights differences between European and Anglo-Saxon markets.
This session explores the main PE and VC strategies and their alignment with different stages of the company life cycle. We discuss when and why companies consider PE/VC funding and how it differs from public capital markets.
An overview of how PE/VC funds are structured and how they operate. The session covers core economic principles, the investment cycle, incentive models, and governance responsibilities.
This session focuses on valuation principles used in private equity transactions. Key approaches and analytical thinking applied in PE investments are introduced.
A practical session analysing real-life private equity cases. The focus is on investment decision-making, risk assessment and value creation.
An introduction to the specifics of venture capital investments, including risk-return profiles and key valuation and investment techniques. The role of VC as an asset class is also discussed.
This session combines a practical VC deal case study with an overview of career opportunities in the PE/VC field. We examine the deal process, stakeholder perspectives and key skills required to work in the sector.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand the effects and role of PE/VC investment in different economies including the role of European Investment Fund (EIF), European Bank for Reconstruction (EBRD) and institutional investors as anchor investors.
2. Analyse the reasons for seeking PE/VC funding by companies including why companies need this form of financing and whether firms should or should not consider attracting PE/VC funding?
3. Evaluate the factors that enable institutional investors to use PE/VC in asset allocation and examine the sources of capital for PE/VC funds including the corresponding fiduciary duties.
4. Develop a historical perspective regarding the evolution of the industry, its origins from merchant banking to the silicon valley of today including an overview of the present Estonian landscape.
5. Articulate the main valuation techniques, the investment life cycle and discuss case studies from different sectors.
6. Apply risk management tools to understand the J-curve concept, historical returns, return profiles of broad PE/VC strategies and correlation with other asset classes.
Course completion requirements
To successfully complete the course and receive a certificate, participants must actively participate in sessions, complete independent assignments, and pass final test
Grading Criteria
The course is assessed on a non-differentiated basis, with the final result recorded as either pass or fail. Successful completion of the course requires active participation in classes and discussions, completion of course-related study reflections, and engagement in the analysis of case studies. The course concludes with a final test covering the key topics addressed throughout the course.
Learning Environment
The course takes place at EBS’s modern campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3. Students have access to ergonomic classrooms, the EBS library, and the cloud-based Canvas learning platform. The study process is supported by online tools such as Zoom, MS Teams, or Canvas Conference. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. On-site attendance is required.
Entry requirements
- High School Education or equivalent qualification.
- Previous knowledge finance and current topics
- Valid temporary residence permit or EU citizenship.
Guest lecturers
The lecturers are experienced fund managers and experts in the field, including: Kristjan Kalda (BaltCap), Heidi Kakko (UniTartu Ventures), Hendrik Reimand (2C Ventures), Indrek Kaldoja (eAgronom) Mihkel Kolk (Deca Legal), Allar Karu (PwC), Maarja Pärs (Livonia Partners), Linda-Riin Võeras ( Karma Ventures)
Certificate
Participants who complete the course will receive a continuing education certificate with ECTS credits.
Concepts, Case-studies and Career-paths in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Industry is in preparation
If interested, add your email to the waiting list and we'll send you a notification when the course details are ready and registration is possible.
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