China being a developing and transitioning country, its venture capital market has some special characteristics.
1. China's venture capital
practices lag behind the international norm
The high-tech enterprises in China, relying on various sources of capital, have undergone a difficult process of
development. Although China has quite a few high-caliber entrepreneurs in the high-tech industry, a large number of these companies (16, 000 in Beijing while 72, 000
nationwide) are run by inexperienced individuals.
a) Serious information asymmetry
First, there exists an information asymmetry between the managers of
high-tech companies and the outside investors.
Second, there exists an information asymmetry between high-tech companies and venture capital firms. By
international practice, both parties should be honest with each other and exchange information openly. After all, the venture capital investors add value by using their
management and technological expertise to improve the company's performance.
b) Serious exclusionism
High-tech companies in China, particularly
those run by the locals, have a tendency to refuse to cooperate with outside investors.
c) High cost of investment
Chinese high-tech companies,
particularly those run by the locals, are mostly under the control of couples or families. These ownership structures make it difficult and costly to follow the customary
practice for venture capital investments, under which venture capitalists receive a substantial portion of ownership and control in the companies
2. Company
managers, rather than venture capital investors, retain majority control
It is a common practice for the managers of some high-tech companies in China to demand
for majority holding in cooperation with venture capital firms. There may be many explanations for such behavior, yet the primary reason lies in the influence of
traditional Chinese thinking. This thinking is based on the belief that one will lose control over the company without majority holding or a leadership role in the
company.
3. China lacks an infrastructure of service professionals to support venture capital firms
The growth of venture capital involves not only high-
tech companies and venture capital firms, but also intermediary agencies such as law firms, accounting firms and assessment centers. Unfortunately, China still lacks
agencies that offer proper services to the venture capital community.
At present, venture capital firms in China have to shoulder the multiple tasks of seeking
for investment projects, assessing the projects, avoiding legal risks, planning the finances of invested companies and helping the portfolio company to list on the
stock market.
4. The legal framework for venture capital investments is inadequate
Although China has set the national strategy of "revitalizing the
country through science and education, " it has yet to set up a legal framework in support of venture capital investments. The Chinese venture capital community has
been growing in the absence of proper protection by law.
5. The Chinese capital markets provides inadequate exit channels for venture capital
investments
The returns of a venture capital firm do not depend on yearly dividends but on the acquisition or the initial public offering of its invested companies.
Such liquidity events require mature capital markets, which China lacks at present.
venture capital financing has given rise to a dynamic system of modern financial products
and services by introducing a series of innovations. Please visit online www.dynastyresources.net in NewYork city.