Smith and Smith apply current thinking in the areas of valuation, real options, and the economics of contracts to new venture decision making. Readers learn to think of new ventures as portfolios of real options, value financial claims of the entrepreneur and venture capital investors, and structure financial contracts in light of new venture information problems. They also learn to use simulation and scenario analysis to evaluate the implications of uncertainty and financial decisions. Stresses the importance of strategy in new venture planning. Develops real-world context through relevant examples. Spreadsheet modeling and simulation using custom software provides hands-on learning.