The second Lecture on Frontiers in Humanities organized by the Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (IAS) was successfully held onsite and online on 14 October 2022 (Friday). Professor Maggie FU, Associate Professor of the Department of Finance and Business Economics, Programme Director of Doctor of Business Administration, and Research Fellow of IAS, was invited to give a lecture on the topic “Venture capital investment in university spin-offs: Evidence from an emerging economy”, and share her research achievements. Professor Endong Yang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Finance and Business Economics, was invited to be the moderator.
Professor Fu first introduced university spin-off companies (USOs) and venture capital (VC). Taking the development of China’s VC industry as a developing country as an example, she analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of government venture capital (GVCs) and private venture capital (PVCs) for university spin-off companies. Professor Fu’s research shows that GVCs invest more in USOs. VC investment in USOs is more prominent in deals which have a higher initial equity commitment of academic founders and a noncontrolling strategy, highlighting the importance of delivering “value” “commitment”, and “trust” signals in winning VC funding.
This lecture belongs to the cluster of “New Opportunities at the Intersection of Humanities and Sciences”, aiming to explore the ethical, legal, societal, business and other humanities issues arising from the development of science and technology (S&T). To actively cooperate with the epidemic prevention policy, this lecture was arranged onsite and online via Zoom. Around 60 participants signed up for the event, including professionals, students, alumni, and external audiences, effectively promoting academic dialogue and boosting the intellectual atmosphere on UM campus.