Michael Dell's newest role: private investor
Article Abstract:
Dell Computer's founder, Michael Dell, is nurturing the financial growth of technology start-ups through his new investment company, MSD Capital. The move has allowed the 34-year-old Dell to emerge as a significant investor who can allocate money and professional resources to generate new ideas or handle company acquisitions. Dell is the lone general partner, or lead investor, in the $1 billion New York firm that has assisted at least 12 companies since its Jul 1998 debut. Technology trends influence Dell's investment strategies, as do companies that approximate his business interests. Dell provides input and even tests products, according to MSD Capital investment partners. A Dell Computer spokeswoman said Dell also adheres to Dell Computer's policy of prohibiting executives from influencing companies in which they hold a stake. This boundary would counter any conflict-of-interest questions regarding MSD Capital and Dell Computer suppliers.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Knowing when to quit: do optimism and overconfidence cloud inventor judgment
Article Abstract:
A survey of 730 Canadian inventors finds that this group generally continues to spend money on their project despite having been told that their project is not feasible. The study also found that inventors who had a positive evaluation of their project were more optimistic and risk taking. It is also found that optimism seemed to matter more to those inventors who were advised to discontinue their project.
Publication Name: The Academy of Management Perspectives
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 1558-9080
Year: 2007
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Does whom you know matter in venture capital networks?
Article Abstract:
Networking appears to have performance benefits to portfolio companies even if it does not lead to co-investing. The number of well-connected venture capital firms (VC) that a particular VC is connected to has the strongest influence on performance.
Publication Name: The Academy of Management Perspectives
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 1558-9080
Year: 2007
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