255 sec. 1 - Venture Capital Law and Finance (Fall 2026)
Instructor: Ofer Eldar (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only)
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 3
Grading Designation: Graded
Mode of Instruction: In-Person Instruction
Meeting:
W 10:00 AM - 12:40 PM
Location: Law 132
From August 19, 2026
To November 30, 2026
Course End: November 30, 2026
Class Number: 33145
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 26
Waitlisted: 0
Enroll Limit: 65
As of: 05/02 02:33 PM
Venture Capital Law and Finance examines the law and economics of U.S. venture capital (VC) finance, the contract structures that are used to achieve these economics, and the legal framework in which such contracting takes place. The course covers venture capital investments in start-up companies, the structure of VC-backed companies, the allocation of cash-flow and control rights, and litigation arising from unique VC arrangements. Particular attention is given to how VC contract provisions are designed to protect investors from economic and voting dilution, how they allocate merger consideration in acquisitions of VC-backed startups, and how they can incentivize subsequent investment. A central objective of the course is to build a comprehensive skill set for cutting-edge VC legal practice: students will not only study contract provisions in detail but also use Excel to model their financial impact, gaining the tools necessary to navigate complex legal arrangements and understand their economic implications for both investors and founders. The course also engages with policy debates on the role of VC firms and the governance of startup founders.
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Requirements Satisfaction:
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Exam Notes: (TH) Take-home Final Exam
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Exam Length: 6 hours
Course Category: Business Law
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