Publications

2006
Working Paper

Skill vs. Luck in Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital: Evidence from Serial Entrepreneurs

By: Paul A. Gompers, Anna Kovner, Josh Lerner and David S. Scharfstein

This paper argues that a large component of success in entrepreneurship and venture capital can be attributed to skill. We show that entrepreneurs with a track record of success are more likely to succeed than first time entrepreneurs and those who have previously... View Details

Keywords: Return On Investment; Entrepreneurship; Venture Capital; Success; Experience and Expertise

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September 2006
Case

Stedman Place: Buy or Rent?

By: Andre F. Perold and David S. Scharfstein

A couple has to decide whether to continue renting a townhouse or buy the one next door. Allows for a discussion of net present value, internal rate of return, and the costs and benefits of homeownership. View Details

Keywords: Cost vs Benefits; Decisions; Asset Pricing; Investment Return; Housing; Family Ownership; Renting or Rental; Valuation

September 2006 (Revised April 2008)
Case

The Howland Long-Term Opportunity Fund

By: Andre F. Perold and David S. Scharfstein

Melissa Howland, founder of an investment firm, must choose between two competing investments, which differ in size, maturity, and rate of return. View Details

Keywords: Decision Choices and Conditions; Financial Instruments; Investment Return; Investment Funds; Value

December 2005 (Revised April 2007)
Case

The Pilgrim Assurance Building

By: Robin Greenwood, David S. Scharfstein and Arthur I Segel

A local real estate developer has to decide how much to bid for a Boston office building in 2005. View Details

Keywords: Buildings and Facilities; Decisions; Investment; Bids and Bidding; Real Estate Industry; Boston

2005
Other Unpublished Work

Venture Capital Investment Cycles: The Role of Experience and Specialization

By: P. Gompers, Anna R. Kovner, Josh Lerner and David S. Scharfstein

Keywords: Venture Capital

November 2005 (Revised November 2005)
Case

Massachusetts General Hospital and the Enbrel Royalty

By: David S. Scharfstein and Darren R. Smart

Massachusetts General Hospital is considering selling its royalty interest in Enbrel, Amgen's blockbuster drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In assessing whether to sell, and at what price, the hospital must determine its value to a potential buyer as well... View Details

Keywords: Valuation; Price; Investment Return; Capital; Value; Revenue; Health Care and Treatment; Health Industry; Biotechnology Industry; Massachusetts

October 2005 (Revised February 2010)
Background Note

Calculating Free Cash Flows

By: Robin Greenwood and David S. Scharfstein

Outlines the mechanics of calculating free cash flows from historical and proforma financial statements. Focuses on the mechanical process of transforming numbers from financial forecasts into cash flows. View Details

Keywords: Financial Statements; Forecasting and Prediction; Cash Flow; Mathematical Methods