Using venture capital for business development in Lithuania

Abstract

The goal of the research is to establish whether (and how) appropriate financing sources – especially private equity and venture capital funds – could reveal any strategic opportunities of Lithuanian companies (and simultaneously opportunities of the whole national economy). The methods of the research cover a comparative analysis of scientific literature and a correlation analysis. The article shows how private equity and venture capital funds, being an alternative and in certain cases – the single financial source for the companies, can promote innovation development and creation of innovative business environment, thus, contributing to the growth of employment and economy of the country. It is also suggested to use venture capital funds as an instrument to diminish economic inequality in the country.

Straipsnyje analizuojama, kaip rizikos kapitalo fondai, būdami alternatyviu, o tam tikrais atvejais – ir vieninteliu finansavimo šaltiniu įmonėms, gali paskatinti inovacijų plėtrą ir konkurencingos verslo aplinkos šalyje sukūrimą, tuo būdu prisidėdami prie užimtumo šalyje bei ekonomikos augimo. Iškeliama žinių komercializavimo Lietuvoje problema, nes, šalyje esant pakankamam žinių potencialui, inovatyvumo bei gamybos naudojant aukštąsias technologijas rodikliai išlieka žemi. Taip pat siūloma rizikos kapitalo fondus panaudoti kaip instrumentą, mažinantį socialinę nelygybę šalyje