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Investor expertise and private investment selection

delete2026-07-08
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PRE
AI
S
Shane Miller
E
Emmanuel Yimfor *
Y
Ye Zhang
DOI:10.1016/j.jfineco.2026.104331delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Institutional and individual investors evaluate private market opportunities systematically differently, even facing identical choices. In a survey experiment, 593 institutional and 445 individual investors assess venture capital fund profiles with independently randomized GP characteristics. Institutions heavily weight past fund performance, consistent with risk-averse investor demand calibrated to VC markets. Individuals largely ignore performance, favoring educational credentials instead. A follow-up experiment identifies two independent mechanisms: individuals lack awareness that VC performance persists and discount quality signals for funds they perceive as inaccessible. Performance-based selection alone reduces individuals’ expected returns by approximately 7%, accounting for 20% of the return gap with professionals.

Journal

Journal of Financial Economics cover
Journal of Financial Economics
IF:
12
Papers:
3.8K
Citations:
5.5W

Organization

C
columbia university
Scholars:
4.4K
Papers: 1.9K
Citations: 2
S
Stockholm School of Economics
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630
Papers: 978
Citations: 2.7K
U
university of michigan
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7.8K
Papers: 3.7K
Citations: 1
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