The course is focused on the analysis of private equity and venture capital business in the perspective of financial intermediaries dedicated to scouting, advisory, arranging and financing activities. Particular attention is given to provide students with a deep understanding of the mechanism underpinning the creation or the development of a firm and the financial sustain coming from the financial system. As a consequence of that, the course is divided into three main sections: market and competition; regulatory and legal issues; management of a private equity and a venture capital fund or deal making. The presentation of a real-word case studies further enhances the link with the best practices observable in the market.