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:

The AM&AA is the leading association and credentialing body for 750 + middle market M&A professionals in 19 countries, providing connections, best practices, and education. Our leadership and people have unrivaled multidisciplinary expertise in the financial services industry. AM&AA members represent sellers and buyers of businesses ranging from $5 to $500 million in transaction value.

The Angel Capital Association is the trade association of leading angel investment groups in North America. ACA supports the growth, financial stability, and investment success of its member groups by providing professional development, best practices, networking, and collaboration opportunities for angel investors who belong to member angel groups. Today 150 angel groups are members of ACA, and those groups represent over 6,500 accredited angel investors.

The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) is the global community for middle market M&A deal makers and business leaders focused on driving growth. ACG members have access to data, content and networking to access capital; make deals; and drive corporate growth. Founded in 1954, ACG has grown to more than 13,000 members organized in 55 chapters throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

The Commercial Finance Association (CFA) is the international trade association dedicated to the asset-based lending and factoring industries. Founded in 1944, the CFA has nearly 300 member companies and 16 chapters located throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. CFA members include a diverse collection of lending institutions that range from international banks to independent entrepreneurial finance companies.

Dun & Bradstreet is the leading provider of credit building and credibility solutions for businesses. They help businesses establish their credit with a D&B DUNS® Number, a unique nine-digit identification sequence used by the world's most influential standards-setting organizations and recognized, recommended and often required by global corporations, governments, industry, and trade associations.

Founded in 1985, the Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA) is the most successful and longest running organization of its kind in Southern California dedicated to the development and growth of entrepreneurial ventures from start-up to middle market. Through its educational programs and annual conferences, LAVA provides a forum where entrepreneurs meet and learn from fellow executives, investors, bankers, financial advisors, and other professional advisors.

The Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center offers a wide variety of services for present and potential small business owners. Services include no-charge expert consulting, low-cost training, information resources, and events and seminars. All consulting services are confidential and free of charge.

The VC-Private Equity Roundtable is an invitation-only organization that facilitates regular interaction among venture capitalists and private equity organizations for the educational, social, and financial betterment of both groups. VCPE members represent over a trillion dollars under management at their firms.

Virginia Active Angel Network (VAAN) is a professionally managed club of angel investors who gather for ten dinner meetings from September through July in Charlottesville and Blacksburg/Roanoke, VA. Started in 2005 by a group of University of Virginia alumni, and joined by New Vantage Group of McLean, Virginia, VAAN seeks to bring energy, expertise, and entrepreneurs together to create opportunities to invest and network with other like-minded angel investors throughout Virginia.

Program Director and Founding Members