Capital Gone Walkabout: The Development of Venture Capital in Australia

Abstract

The Australian business landscape is characterized by a high proportion of small businesses relative to other developed economies, partly due to the lack of equity finance for small businesses. Repeated government inquiries and policies have recognized this need, and yet the supply of equity capital to early-stage enterprises remains low relative to levels in other comparable economies. The author examines this lack of equity finance and the failed government attempts to develop a venture capital industry. While policy announcements by the current government address some past shortcomings, restrictions on investors flexibility and the selective targeting of specific industries and businesses suggest little change may be expected.