%0 Journal Article %T F2C ¨C An Innovative Approach to Use Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) for the Valuation of High-Technology Ventures %A Peter Heydebreck %A Magnus Klofsten %A Lars Kr¨¹ger %J Communications of the IBIMA %D 2011 %I IBIMA Publishing %X We propose a novel method - F2C - that can process the only information available in the early stages of a young high-technology venture: linguistic expert knowledge. This knowledge is the basis for the determination of an appropriate discount rate for the valuation of high-technology ventures in early stages of venture capital investments. A specific tool named Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) is used therein to capture and depict the expert knowledge. Consequently, the FCM is transformed into a system of Fuzzy Inference Systems. These systems allow eventually obtaining a crisp value for the crucial parameter, the discount rate r. First practical applications were carried out valuing a biotechnology venture. The obtained results are promising, though the need for further research efforts became obvious. %K Fuzzy Cognitive Map %K Venture Valuation %K Fuzzy Systems %U http://www.ibimapublishing.com/journals/CIBIMA/2011/483882/a483882.html