Executive Certificate in Private Equity & Venture Capital - interview with Jonathan Harrison, Course Director - ZISHI

Interview with Jonathan Harrison, Course Director

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jonathan Harrison to delve into our upcoming course, the Executive Certificate in Private Equity & Venture Capital​. With Jonathan at the helm, this programme is tailored to empower professionals like yourself with the essential skills and insights needed to excel in the dynamic world of private equity and venture capital.

Jonathan brings a wealth of experience to the table, boasting extensive institutional investment expertise. What sets him apart is not just his practical knowledge but also his reputation as a highly regarded trainer, having conducted top-tier training courses globally for diverse clients.

 

The Executive Certificate in Private Equity and Venture

 

Here are some highlights from our recent conversation:

To start off, could you tell us a bit about your (training) experience and expertise in relation to this course?

I have over 30 years of institutional investment experience, particularly in private equity, with the past 14 years dedicated to running my own private equity business. Additionally, I’ve conducted training courses globally for the past decade, focusing on private equity and venture capital for diverse clients ranging from DFIs to family offices.

What’s happening in the market that makes this course so relevant right now?

Although the concept of private investment in economic ventures goes back centuries, the industry in its contemporary form is relatively youthful and constantly evolving – illustrated, for instance, by the upswing in technology venture capital

Understanding our historical background helps in forecasting future trends. In this sector, there’s no fixed status quo – change is the only certainty.

Can you share some of the major topics themes covered in the course?

This is a “nose to tail” course – we cover strategies, fund structures and economics, the investment process, valuation and pricing, capital structuring and exits. Each of these topics has a number of sub-topics which dive into detail.

The topic I am usually asked about most is how to value a start-up business. We cover this in depth and look at some specific strategies for pricing an early-stage investment.

Who would benefit the most from attending this course?

The simple answer to this is anyone who wants to develop their knowledge and understanding of the PE/VC sector, whether they are already involved in it or not.

I would particularly recommend it to industry participants – both front and back office – who are involved in a particular business ‘silo’ as well as to anyone at the beginning of their career or looking to make a career change into the sector.

How would you describe the blend of theory vs practical applications within the programme?

It is important to understand the basic theories that underpin practice and these are covered, however this course is primarily targeted at equipping participants for life in a private equity business. Practical, real-life solutions, illustrated with case studies, are the focus.

Where we delve into technical topics, these are backed-up with practical examples and, where applicable, Excel spreadsheets that allow participants to work through and understand mathematical concepts.

What would you say are the most important elements of the course currently?

This will depend on the student, their background and how they aim to apply what they learn. The course will provide key, applicable take-aways for anyone involved in the sector.

Most people who work in the sector will be involved in one particular part of the PE process. Individuals may be looking to develop their career in an existing area or to broaden it out to a new area. Some may also be new to the sector. The course caters to all of these, facilitating deeper dives in topics of specific interest to individual participants.

Looking ahead, what are some of the issues in the sector that you foresee, and how will this course help participants address them?

In the short-term the new interest rate environment will have an impact on the way assets are allocated and will – in my opinion – mean that fundamental valuation methodologies become more important.

In the medium to longer term, technological developments, including AI, and evolving investment strategies will mould the shape of the industry.

Lastly, what practical skills and knowledge does the course aim to equip participants with?

The list is long but, to take a specific example, we will delve into some of the weaknesses of established valuation and return measurement methodologies such as DCF and IRR and look at ways of mitigating these in real-life situations. This equips participants with the skills to see through headline numbers and understand what the numbers really mean.

More generally, the course will equip participants with the knowledge to engage with, say, investors or boards confident that they have an in depth understanding of all aspects of the business. Similarly, job seekers will be able to engage with interviewers knowing that they can demonstrate a full breadth knowledge of the PE/VC industry.

Fast track your Private Equity & Venture Capital knowledge

The Executive Certificate in Private Equity and Venture Capital, delivered in collaboration with University of Bath School of Management Management, provides essential insights into the sector and is designed to equip candidates with the tools they require to succeed in the industry.

This 12-week online distance learning programme is led by an experienced industry professional and allows you to study around other commitments. It starts on 20th March 2024 and enrolments are currently being accepted. Simply email info@thezishi.com for more details and to enrol.

Learn more
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