A critical re-examination of the academic literature on venture capital networks

This paper proposes a critical re-examination of the recent trends ofthe literature on venture capital networks. This brief review thoroughlyscrutinises three papers that are representative of the recent academic literaturein this field of study. I identify their points of strength and limitations, in orderto pave the way for future research. This paper shows that the study of networkweak and informal ties and the role of risk management strategies arepromising areas for pushing the frontiers of research on venture capitalnetworks. Extending our knowledge on this topic is crucial to understand thebest strategic decisions venture capital firms should take, as parts of an interorganisational network. I contribute to the extant literature by criticallyanalysing a stream of literature that is important from both a scientific andmanagerial point of views. Moreover, this paper poses interesting questions tobe addressed by future research.