Venture investing and city development : a look at Singapore

Abstract

The dual trends of globalization and technologization in the capital markets have altered the strategies of city states that wish to be financial/regional economic centers. This thesis examines venture finance in detail and looks at the case of Singapore repositioning itself as the center of venture finance in this regard. First we understand the advantages of innovation and venture capital value proposition. We think about a general background to the world of venture finance and entrepreneurship. Then we develop a comprehensive venture-capitalists' framework. After this, we look at Bangalore and Glasgow, 2 striking examples of cities that reinvented themselves. We then try to develop a conceptual way to look at how cities will try to promote growth in the future. With these frameworks in mind, we analyze the situation in the Singaporean economy. We look at its background and its rise due to manufacturing. We show how Singapore is trying to change from its manufacturing roots and become a more 'knowledge based society.' We look at its financial sector in detail - its history, current overview and future and look at Singapore's efforts to establish itself as the venture finance hub. We think that there is enormous prestige associated with being a center of finance and accumulation. That is one of the main reasons why Singapore is concentrating on being a finance and venture finance hub. Plus venture finance has many sticky spillovers into manufacturing and into the local economy. It will make the Singaporean economy more healthy as a whole. This thesis concludes with a personal assessment of Singapore as a center of venture finance. Singapore has made a bold attempt to establish itself as the 'venture hub.' However, capital is not the main issue for Singapore. It needs to adopt a more risk taking attitude and be more willing to accept success as well as failure. In the end, this thesis explores the future of cities at large, looks at Amsterdam -- the hooked up city, and looks at the broader implications of all this creativity and innovation on cities.