VENTURE CAPITAL IN SINGAPORE : ISSUE AND POLICY

Abstract

Venture capital in Singapore has developed into an important vehicle for the transfer of technology, the promotion of entrepreneurship, the broadening of our economic industrial base and development of our financial systems, all of these contributing to the growth of the economy. The objective of this thesis is to study the operational constraints currently faced by venture capital firms and examine policy issues and their implications on the growth and development of the industry.

In this thesis, a broad overview of the operations of venture capital firms in Singapore is given, followed by a discussion of the venture capital industry in both developed and developing countries. The research proceeds with an analysis of the growth and development of the venture capital industry with some inferences drawn from the experience of other countries. This is followed by an analysis of the surveys and interviews conducted.

Based on the results of the analyses, recommendations such as allowing fund management companies to be involved in venture capital activities to increase the amount of funds managed, to allowed venture capitalist to have access to research centers and institutions and provide funding for their research project and increase their deal flow etc. are suggested to sustain the growth and development of the industry and propel it into the 21st century.