Private Capital Markets Project

The Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project advances ongoing research to understand the true cost of private capital across market types and the investment expectations of privately-held business owners.

In 2004, Robert T. Slee wrote "Private Capital Markets: Valuation, Capitalization, and Transfer of Private Business Interests." In his book, Mr. Slee made the point that private capital markets are very important: they contain millions of companies, which collectively account for over 99 percent of the businesses in the U.S. In addition, private companies generate nearly half of the U.S. GDP and employment levels. He further asserts that private capital markets are unique and not adequately described by corporate financial theory.

There are four research projects that the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project produces:

Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Report

The Pepperdine Private Capital Markets report is an annual survey produced by Pepperdine Graziadio Business School with the primary mission to research the cost of capital from the various sources (Private Equity, Banks, Venture Capital, Angels, etc.) for private businesses. Widely publicized visibility and exposure to private capital providers, media, entrepreneurs, private companies, and industry interest groupsSponsorship Opportunities

Be a part of a comprehensive ongoing investigation of private lending and investing behavior across capital markets, conducted by Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Through two survey cycles and published summary reports per year, businesses have a unique opportunity to align themselves with groundbreaking research and reach entrepreneurs, business owners, investors and capital providers. The first report in the Pepperdine private capital study was downloaded by more than 1,200 industry professionals in 35 countries and produced findings reported in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, USA Today, Investment News, VC Experts, and other publications.

Private Capital Access Index Report

The Pepperdine Private Capital Access (PCA) Index is a quarterly research report produced by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School in partnership with Dun & Bradstreet. The index was released for the first time in late summer 2012. The purpose of the PCA Index is to gauge the demand of small and medium-sized businesses for financing needs, the level of accessibility of private capital, and the transparency and efficiency of private financing markets.

Market Pulse Report

The quarterly Market Pulse Survey is a quarterly research report produced in partnership with International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and M&A Source. The survey was created to gain an accurate understanding of the market conditions for businesses being sold in Main Street (values $0-$2MM) and the lower middle market (values $2MM -$50MM).

This national survey is conducted with the intent of providing a valuable resource to business owners and their advisors. The IBBA and M&A Source present the Market Pulse Survey with the support of the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project and Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.

Economic Forecast Report

The Economic Forecast survey is part of the Private Capital Access (PCA) Index report produced quarterly by Pepperdine Graziadio Business School in partnership with Dun & Bradstreet. We ask the economic forecast questions as part of the Q1 survey every year and distribute the report annually. The purpose of the economic forecast is to produce newsworthy predictions about the year ahead.

Research Partners

With deep appreciation, the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project acknowledges the survey support and contributions of the following organizations:

Program Director and Founding Members