CANCELLED | The Origins of Venture Capital in America

America dominated the whaling industry in the mid-1800s with three times as many whaling ships as the rest of the world combined. Our dominance came from a combination of technology, increased productivity, and proprietary knowledge. Our ships were bigger and better, and we had more precise charts. Improvements in harpoon technology led to the invention of the iron toggle harpoon. Innovation in winch technology enabled ships to be handled with fewer skilled sailors. Finally, whaling venture capitalists were innovators in employee compensation. However, fifty years on the industry was dead; the fleet having been reduced by 90%.

Join us for a lecture by Jonas Atkins, the co-author of Harvard Business School case study, examining the components of success in venture capital. The case study and his  recent book, VC – An American  History, is included with your ticket.

This program is presented alongside American Voyager: Herman Melville at 200. 

Sponsored by Robert K. Urquhart.