Dr. Josh Lerner

Professor

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Biography

Josh Lerner is the Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking at Harvard Business School, where he co-directs the HBS Private Capital Project. His research focuses primarily on venture capital, private equity, innovation, and public policy. Over the past several decades, he has taught various courses at Harvard, including the acclaimed 'Venture Capital & Private Equity' course, which has become one of the most popular electives for MBA students. Lerner’s academic contributions have earned him recognition as one of the leading economists worldwide. In addition to his teaching, he has had significant involvement with the National Bureau of Economic Research as a co-director of their Productivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Program. Throughout his career, Josh has also actively participated in public discourse on innovation policy, including advising government bodies and contributing to the literature in corporate finance and entrepreneurship. A graduate of Yale College with a special divisional major, he earned his Ph.D. from Harvard's Economics Department.

Research Interests

Experience

Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking

2000-01-01 — Present

Harvard Business School • Boston, MA

Teaches courses on investment banking, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.

Co-Director

2010-01-01 — Present

HBS Private Capital Project • Boston, MA

Leads projects focused on private equity and venture capital.

Awards

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Doctorate Honoris Causa

2009-01-01
#

Doriot Award for Private Equity Research Paper

2022-01-01
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Axiom Business Book Award Gold Medal

2010-01-01

Requirements for Harvard University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a technical or quantitative field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).