Publications
Publications
- August 2007
- HBS Case Collection
Lightspeed Venture Partners -- International Expansion
By: Krishna G. Palepu and Alison Berkley Wagonfeld
Abstract
Looks at various international expansion models for a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley. Lightspeed Venture Partners believed that India had tremendous potential for venture capital returns--the question was how best to tap into that potential while also growing the firm's presence in the U.S., Israel, and China. The venture firm had recently hired partners in Israel and China, and subsequently opened offices in both countries. The firm was contemplating hiring a third international partner in India and potentially opening a third foreign office. This model seemed to be working in the other two countries, but other U.S. venture firms were entering India in a more aggressive manner. Some venture firms were purchasing local firms and raising money for dedicated India funds. Others were hiring a team of two or three local investors at one time. Lightspeed partners wondered which was the best long-term solution for their firm.
Keywords
Venture Capital; Expansion; Investment Return; Global Strategy; Emerging Markets; Investment; International Finance; Organizational Structure; India; Israel
Citation
Palepu, Krishna G., and Alison Berkley Wagonfeld. "Lightspeed Venture Partners -- International Expansion." Harvard Business School Case 108-010, August 2007.