Academic qualifications
- EMBA,INSEAD and Tsinghua SEM
- M.Sc. EE, Johns Hopkins University
- M.Sc. FinMgt, University of London
- M.A., Macquarie University MGSM
- B.Sc. EE, Columbia University
Teaching Interests
- Venture Capital and Private Equity
- Advanced Venture Capital Investing
- Venture Capital Financing
- Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructuring
Publication
Prof. LAI is the author of various VC/PE investment papers, including "Venture Capitalist Screening Criteria and Associated Tools: Progressive Screening Matrix and Mean IRR": 5th ed. (2018), "The Determinants of Successful Fundraising in Distressed Times for Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds in China": 3rd ed. (2016), and co-author of a chapter titled ‘The Angel Investment Scene Across The Asia Pacific Region—Taiwan’ in a book, “Angel Financing in Asia Pacific: A Guidebook for Investors and Entrepreneurs” (2016). He is also a regular contributor to the China Venture Capitalist Confidence Index (Bloomberg ticker symbol: CVCCI).
Industry Experience
Prof. Marvin LAI is a Managing Partner of iTM Ventures Inc, in association with Burgeon Group Consulting Ltd., and Executive Director (2011-2017) of Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (HKVCA).
Prof. LAI has over 35 years of experience in financial services (VC&PE), technologies, and the consumer sector. He oversees iTM-Burgeon’s principal investment and management consulting businesses, advises several advisory and multi-family funds, teaches VCPE and mergers and acquisitions (M&A)-related courses, and is recognized for his excellent teaching. Prior to iTM-Burgeon, he was Chief Investment Officer of the Cyberport Macro Fund, where he headed the development and investments of the fund and the cultivation of its investor network. Prior thereto, he served as Senior Partner of ES Capital and Senior Advisor of LionRock Capital (HK), where he spearheaded ES Capital’s Asian Principal Investments and private placement opportunities as well as LionRock’s origination and strategic investments. He began his career at IBM and AT&T Bell Laboratories.
Prof.LAI is a Fellow of Hong Kong Securities and Investments Institute (FHKSI) and Hong Kong Institute of Directors (FHKIoD), a Professional Manager (PMgr) designated by HKMA, Chairman of the Venture Committee (2008-2016) of HKVCA, Member of the HKTDC Innovation and Technology Advisory Committee (2010-2014), Director of the Board and Founding member of Hong Kong Business Angel Network (HKBAN), Advisor of HKUST E-fund and Center for Investing, Founding member of Cyberport Investors Network, Member of the Examination Committee of HKSI, President of Columbia University Hong Kong Alumni Association (2006-2008) and INSEAD Hong Kong Alumni Association (2012-2014), Assistant Governor (2013-2014) of Rotary International District 3450, and a Full Member of Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Research Interests
- Venture Capital & Private Equity
- Entrepreneurial Financing
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Corporate Valuation
- Portfolio & Asset Management
- Quantitative Equity Investments
- Algorithm Trading & Robo-Advisors
- Fintech and AI applications