Mr. Mark Horgan:

The average stake is between approximately 15% and 30%. It is typically a minority stake that is taken by a venture capitalist in a privately held company. The rate can differ but the 15% to 30% rate is normal. The percentage rate of failure depends on the stage of development at a particular company. At seed stage and with start-ups, the percentage of failure is quite high, given the risk involved. At the other end of the spectrum, companies funded on various rounds at the growth equity stage - series B and C and more mature investments - the ratio of failure is quite low. Typically, those companies are either sold, with investment returns made for the investors and entrepreneurs, or they continue as a lifestyle company, where they may not make a major exit but they continue to operate and employ people. It depends on the stage of development for a company.