Start of Main Content
Finance

Visiting Professor of Finance

Portrait of Yael V. Hochberg, Faculty at the Kellogg School of Management
Professor Hochberg's research and teaching interests are focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the financing of entrepreneurial activity. Her research focuses on the venture capital industry, financial networks and corporate governance and compensation policies. In addition to her doctorate in finance from Stanford, she holds an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and a masters degree in Economics from Stanford University.
  • PhD, 2003, Business Administration, Stanford University Graduate School of Business
    MA, 2000, Economics, Stanford University
    BSc, 1997, Industrial Engineering and Management, Israel Institute of Technology
  • Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship, Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, 2017-2018
    Ralph S. O’Connor Professor of Entrepreneurship, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University, 2016-present
    Academic Director, Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University, 2016-present
    Head of Rice University Entrepreneurship Initiative, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University, 2015-present
    Professor of Finance, Finance, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University, 2017-present
    Associate Professor, Finance, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University, 2013-2017
    Research Affiliate, Innovation Initiative, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2016-present
    Research Affiliate, Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2014-2016
    Visiting Associate Professor of Finance, Finance, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2013-2014
    Assistant Professor of Finance, Finance, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, 2005-2013
    Assistant Professor of Finance and Entrepreneurship, Finance and Entrepreneurship, Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University, 2003-2005

Advanced Topics in Venture Investing (FINC-982-5)

This advanced course builds on the introductory concepts covered in FINC445 and provides a deep-dive into how VCs evaluate potential startup investments and subsequently manage those investments. We use recent deal flow from Bay Area VC funds as the basis for class discussion, with the participation of the involved VCs and entrepreneurs, who will join us in class for the analysis and discussion. The course provides a unique window into the activity and decision processes used by VC funds on a daily basis. The primary perspective of the course is that of the venture capitalist in assembling and evaluating information, preparing forecasts, assessing risks, developing and negotiating investment structure and terms, and deciding whether to invest. Cases also touch on management and financial problems and policy issues, and the relationship between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. The secondary perspective is that of the entrepreneur and the techniques and skills employed in managing growing enterprises. The course employs a flipped classroom approach, whereby significant preparation is completed outside the classroom prior to the course sessions, such that we can focus on in-depth discussion for the full class period. The course is aimed at students who are considering a career in the entrepreneurial sector, including those who wish to start new ventures, join new and growing organizations, or to work in the venture capital or related industry. The course is only offered in the San Francisco immersion program.

Venture Investing (FINC-980-5)

This course provides an overview of venture capital and the VC investment process. The course covers the basics of startup venture evaluation and how VCs use qualitative and quantitative information to prepare forecasts, value companies, and assess risk. It also introduces basic term sheets and investment structures. The course is aimed primarily at people who may be involved in an entrepreneurial venture at some point in their careers or are interested in venture capital careers. The course is only offered in the San Francisco immersion program