Discover Capital

William  Sahlman; Robert  White; Stephanie  Puzio

Case | HBS Case Collection | March 2015

Discover Capital

by William Sahlman, Robert White and Stephanie Puzio

Abstract

"Discover Capital" provides an in-depth look at a first time search fund run by the tenacious Kelly Quann Bianucci. It provides background information about search funds and follows Kelly as she successfully raises her over-subscribed fund and begins the search process.
The following useful information is included for students who are considering starting a search fund: offering memoranda, fundraising techniques, staffing, screening techniques, marketing materials and processes, letters of intent, and deal evaluation criteria.
The case also looks at the potential fund returns from the perspective of an investor.

Keywords: entrepreneurial finance; entrepreneurs; entrepreneurship; buyout; loans; Acquisitions;

Language: English

Format: Print

31 pages

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Citation:

Sahlman, William, Robert White, and Stephanie Puzio. "Discover Capital." Harvard Business School Case 815-097, March 2015.

In 2019, Bill Cummings, founder of Cummings Properties and Cummings Foundation and billionaire signer of the Giving Pledge, is winding down his roles at his company and foundation. How should the management move the company forward?

Founded in 2008, Khan Academy was a global educational nonprofit with a mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone anywhere in the world. By 2018, the organization had expanded into numerous content areas, product areas, and geographic markets. However, a newly minted 3-year strategic plan called for greater focus and prioritization to enable the young organization to maximize its impact. It also called for increased fundraising efforts to ensure long-term sustainability. The case poses several questions: How can the organization balance its far-reaching aspirational vision for transforming education globally with the short-term need for greater focus? Would the priorities set in the strategic plan enable Khan Academy to create systemic global change? How should donors evaluate the attractiveness and impact of a potential investment in Khan Academy relative to other organizations in the educational market? Was Khan Academy on the right path to ensuring long-term sustainability? What should Khan Academy’s management team do?

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Discover Capital

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