This paper examines why large PE funds earn lower returns. I argue that large PE-funds are suited to making large investments and small PE-funds are suited to nurturing start-ups. Thus, the sub-optimal investment in small companies is one driver of the size effect in private equity. A...

This paper examines diversification as a source of value creation and destruction in private equity (PE) funds. Previous literature has focused on the ‘diversification discount' in corporations. However, in PE funds, diversification might increase returns by ameliorating managerial risk...