Gulf Venture Capital Association

GVCA is a non-profit trade and industry association for Venture Capital (VC) and Private Equity (PE). GVCA's role is to promote a risk-taking investment culture, develop skills and provide information on VC/PE industry. GVCA will organize conferences, industry-focused technology forums, training and workshops. In addition, GVCA will become a learning organization where members can share experiences and address issues of common interest. Venture Capital (VC) is the equity financing of unquoted companies ranging from small early stage to large management buy-outs. Others define VC as private, corporate or public funds that focus on investments in early stage technology based companies. VC is described as the "business of building business." VC has a particular emphasis on entrepreneurial undertakings and less mature business. It is classified into four types; Seed stage, startup stage, expansion stage and replacement capital. Private Equity (PE) is the use of equity capital for entities not publicly traded. It can be used to develop new products and technologies, expand working capital, make acquisitions or strengthen a company's balance sheet. It can also resolve ownership and management issues- a succession in family-owned companies, or buy-in or buy-out of a business by experienced managers. PE investment is typically a transformational, value added and active investment strategy. GVCA will cover several aspects of the VC/PE industry such as trends and strategies, legal/fiscal policies and regulations, investment models, management of fund raising and structures, technology evaluation and valuation, contracts and control rights, information/studies, early-stage funding and corporate venture capital, among others. Members in GVCA include VC/PE companies, corporations, financial institutions and consultants, and technology development organizations, among others.