Publications

October 1995 (Revised July 2009)
Case

Beechwood Spouts (A)

By: William A. Sahlman and Andrew S. Janower

Charles Barker must decide whether to become an outside investor in a private round of financing for an early stage, high-growth-potential venture producing plastic pouring spouts for orange juice cartons. Barker must evaluate the opportunity, content, and deal to... View Details

Keywords: Business Startups; Venture Capital; Financing and Loans; Investment

October 1995 (Revised December 1996)
Case

Beechwood Spouts (B)

By: William A. Sahlman and Andrew S. Janower

Eight months has passed since Barker first invested in Beechwood Spouts, and the company's situation has deteriorated. The problems appear to be resolved. Barker must now decide whether to participate in a crucial bridge financing round, without which the company will... View Details

Keywords: Decision Making; Entrepreneurship; Venture Capital; Insolvency and Bankruptcy; Financing and Loans; Information

September 1995
Case

Richina Capital Partners Limited

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

Richard Yan and Suzanne Foels raise a $52.5 million fund to invest in Chinese companies in concert with major multinational companies. They face all the challenges of starting a business from scratch in addition to the challenges of operating in a cross-cultural... View Details

Keywords: Business Startups; Venture Capital; Problems and Challenges; Emerging Markets; Multinational Firms and Management; Cross-Cultural and Cross-Border Issues; Governance Compliance; Business Strategy; Expansion; Investment Return; China

September 1995
Case

At Play Productions (A)

By: William A. Sahlman and Andrew S. Janower

September 1995
Supplement

At Play Productions (B)

By: William A. Sahlman and Andrew S. Janower

September 1995
Supplement

At Play Productions (C)

By: William A. Sahlman and Andrew S. Janower

Supplements the (A) case. View Details

Keywords: Entrepreneurship

September 1995 (Revised July 1998)
Background Note

Entrepreneurial Finance Suggested Readings

By: William A. Sahlman and Andrew S. Janower

September 1995
Case

Benjamin Rosen and Compaq

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

Addresses the challenges faced by Ben Rosen and the company board of directors as continuing problems force it to make a decision about the ongoing governance of the firm. The issues are complicated by the current CEO and founder, Rod Canion, who has had, until... View Details

Keywords: Governing and Advisory Boards; Management Teams; Business or Company Management; Corporate Governance; Problems and Challenges; Decision Making; Information Technology Industry

June 1995
Case

Quorum Health Group, Inc.

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

Facing increasing competition from much larger industry players, Jim Dalton, CEO of Quorum, and Russ Carson, Managing Partner of Welch, Carson, Anderson & Stowe attempt to set the future direction for Quorum. The company was successfully spun-off from HCA in a... View Details

Keywords: Growth and Development Strategy; Competitive Strategy; Consolidation; Leveraged Buyouts; Venture Capital; Acquisition; Health Industry

April 1995 (Revised January 2003)
Case

Anasazi Exclusive Salon Products, Inc.

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

Anasazi, a hair-care products start-up based in the Midwest, is having growing pains as it tries to develop a new distribution model for the professional hair salon industry. The company has completed several rounds of venture financing but, to continue, needs to raise... View Details

Keywords: Business Startups; Financial Condition; Venture Capital; Financial Strategy; Financing and Loans; Expansion; Planning; Fashion Industry; Iowa

February 1995
Case

Crystal Dynamics (A)

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

February 1995
Supplement

Crystal Dynamics (B)

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

November 1994
Case

Frank Elliott

By: William A. Sahlman

November 1994
Case

VideoGuide, Inc. (A)

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

VideoGuide is emerging from a development stage start-up and requires a significant capital infusion to commercialize its product. Various financing options are considered including going public, venture capital, private placement, or a strategic partner. Given the... View Details

Keywords: Capital Budgeting; Capital; Venture Capital; Financing and Loans; Corporate Entrepreneurship; Initial Public Offering; Markets; Partners and Partnerships; Growth and Development Strategy; Going Public

November 1994
Supplement

VideoGuide, Inc. (B)

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

Supplements the (A) case. View Details

November 1994
Supplement

VideoGuide, Inc. (C)

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

Supplements the (A) case. View Details

November 1994
Supplement

VideoGuide, Inc. (D)

By: William A. Sahlman and Jason Green

Supplement the (A) case. View Details

September 1994 (Revised May 2010)
Case

Hamilton Test Systems, Inc.

By: William A. Sahlman and Norman Klein

The protagonists must decide whether to invest in an auto emissions testing company as the first investment in the leveraged buyout fund they recently formed. Issues of how to raise the needed equity capital and how to structure the acquisition are emphasized. View Details

Keywords: Venture Capital; Leveraged Buyouts; Environmental Sustainability; Investment; Service Industry; Auto Industry

October 1993
Teaching Note

CML Group, Inc.: Going Public (B & C) TN

By: William A. Sahlman

Teaching Note for (9-285-092) and (9-286-009). View Details

Keywords: Consumer Products Industry; Retail Industry