Key Insights
The venture capital (VC) industry is experiencing robust growth, fueled by a confluence of factors. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% indicates a consistently expanding market, projected to reach significant valuation by 2033. This expansion is driven by several key elements: the increasing number of innovative startups across diverse sectors (particularly technology, healthcare, and renewable energy), the readily available pool of high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors seeking high-growth opportunities, and the ongoing digital transformation reshaping various industries. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting entrepreneurship and technological advancement in many regions are further stimulating VC investment. The competitive landscape is marked by both established players like Tiger Global Management, Sequoia Capital, and Accel and emerging funds, resulting in a dynamic and intensely competitive investment environment.
Venture Capital Industry Market Size (In Billion)
However, the VC market is not without its challenges. Economic downturns, regulatory uncertainties in certain sectors, and the inherent risk associated with early-stage investments create periods of volatility. Successful exits (through IPOs or acquisitions) remain crucial for the overall health of the VC ecosystem. Furthermore, the increasing competition for promising startups necessitates a sophisticated approach to due diligence, deal structuring, and portfolio management. Geographic diversification and a focus on sectors displaying resilience to economic fluctuations are key strategies employed by successful VC firms to mitigate risk and maximize returns. The industry’s long-term success hinges on a balance between aggressive growth strategies and careful risk management in an ever-evolving technological and economic landscape. Segmentation within the industry, though not detailed here, is likely driven by investment stage (seed, Series A, etc.), industry focus, and geographic location.
Venture Capital Industry Company Market Share
Venture Capital Industry: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)
This insightful report provides a detailed analysis of the Venture Capital (VC) industry, encompassing market trends, leading players, and future growth projections from 2019 to 2033. The study period covers the historical period (2019-2024), the base year (2025), and the forecast period (2025-2033), offering stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic market. This report is crucial for investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of the VC landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The report projects a market value exceeding xx Million by 2033.
Venture Capital Industry Market Composition & Trends
This section evaluates the market concentration, innovation catalysts, regulatory environment, substitute products, end-user profiles, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) activity within the VC industry. We analyze market share distribution among key players and delve into the financial implications of M&A deals.
Market Concentration: The VC industry exhibits a moderately concentrated landscape, with a few dominant players like Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global Management commanding significant market share. However, a large number of smaller firms contribute to the overall market activity. Estimated market share distribution in 2025: Sequoia Capital (xx%), Tiger Global Management (xx%), New Enterprises Associates (xx%), and others (xx%).
Innovation Catalysts: Technological advancements, particularly in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Fintech, and Biotechnology, are driving significant innovation within the VC space. This fuels investment in disruptive technologies and startups.
Regulatory Landscape: Varying regulatory frameworks across different jurisdictions influence investment decisions and operational strategies. Compliance requirements and changes in regulations significantly impact VC activities.
Substitute Products/Services: While direct substitutes for VC funding are limited, alternative financing options such as angel investors and crowdfunding pose competitive pressures.
End-User Profiles: The primary end-users are startups across diverse sectors seeking capital for growth and expansion. The report segments end-users based on industry, stage of development, and geographical location.
M&A Activities: The VC industry witnesses frequent M&A activity, with larger firms acquiring smaller firms to expand their portfolio and market reach. The total value of M&A deals in 2024 is estimated at xx Million, with an average deal size of xx Million.
Venture Capital Industry Industry Evolution
This section analyzes the evolution of the VC industry, focusing on market growth trajectories, technological advancements, and shifting consumer demands from 2019 to 2025. We present specific data points including growth rates and adoption metrics to illustrate industry dynamics. The period shows a significant shift towards later-stage investments and increased competition among VCs. The global VC market experienced a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx% during 2019-2024, driven primarily by increasing investments in technology and healthcare sectors. The adoption of digital tools and online platforms for deal sourcing and management significantly enhanced operational efficiency and broadened geographical reach during this period. Furthermore, the rise of thematic investing (focused on specific technologies or industries) has reshaped the investment landscape. The increased focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors is also influencing investment decisions and portfolio construction.
Leading Regions, Countries, or Segments in Venture Capital Industry
This section highlights the dominant regions, countries, or segments within the VC industry. We use bullet points to identify key drivers (investment trends, regulatory support) and paragraphs for in-depth analysis of dominance factors.
The Americas (Dominant Region): The Americas, particularly the United States, remain the dominant region in terms of VC investment volume and deal flow. This is fueled by a robust startup ecosystem, abundant capital, and a supportive regulatory environment. The availability of a large pool of experienced investors and entrepreneurs, coupled with access to advanced technologies and a mature financial market, has contributed significantly to this dominance.
Europe (Significant Growth): Europe has witnessed significant growth in VC investment, particularly in the UK, Germany, and France. This rise is driven by the increasing number of technology startups and supportive government policies.
Asia (Emerging Market): Asia, particularly China and India, represents a rapidly expanding VC market. Government initiatives, growing entrepreneurial activities, and a large consumer base are fueling substantial investment.
Venture Capital Industry Product Innovations
The VC industry itself doesn't produce "products" in the traditional sense. However, innovation within the industry manifests in improved investment strategies, more efficient deal-making processes, and the emergence of new fund structures (e.g., specialized thematic funds). Technological advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence are being leveraged to improve deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management. These innovations enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and ultimately improve returns for investors. Furthermore, the rise of impact investing, focusing on companies with positive social or environmental impact, represents a significant product innovation in the VC space.
Propelling Factors for Venture Capital Industry Growth
Several factors propel the growth of the VC industry:
- Technological advancements: Continuous breakthroughs in AI, biotechnology, and other fields create numerous investment opportunities in high-growth sectors.
- Economic growth: Strong economic conditions and increasing disposable incomes fuel entrepreneurial activity and demand for venture capital.
- Supportive government policies: Governments worldwide are implementing policies to encourage entrepreneurship and attract VC investment, such as tax incentives and funding programs.
Obstacles in the Venture Capital Industry Market
Despite the growth potential, several factors hinder market expansion:
- Regulatory uncertainty: Changing regulations and compliance requirements across different jurisdictions create uncertainty and can impede investment decisions.
- Competitive pressures: The intense competition among VC firms for attractive investment opportunities can lead to inflated valuations and higher risk-taking.
- Geopolitical risks: Global economic and political instability can impact investment sentiment and reduce VC activity.
Future Opportunities in Venture Capital Industry
Emerging opportunities include:
- Investment in sustainable technologies: Growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions creates vast opportunities for investment in renewable energy, green technology, and sustainable agriculture.
- Expansion into new markets: Developing economies and frontier markets present significant growth potential for VC investment.
- Focus on impact investing: The increasing awareness of ESG factors is driving investments in companies with positive social and environmental impact.
Major Players in the Venture Capital Industry Ecosystem
- Tiger Global Management
- New Enterprises Associates
- Sequoia Capital
- DST Global
- IDG Capital
- Index Ventures
- Healthcare Royalty Partners
- GGV Capital
- Nanjing Zijin Investment
- Greylock Partners
Key Developments in Venture Capital Industry
- 2020 Q4: The Americas accounted for USD 41 billion in VC investment across 2,725 deals, with the US accounting for USD 38.8 billion across 2,526 deals. Europe saw USD 14.3 billion raised across 1,192 deals.
- 2022: IDG Capital Vietnam confirms investment in METAIN, aiming to lead the NFT-empowered real estate trend in Vietnam. This highlights the growing interest in blockchain technology and its applications in real estate.
Strategic Venture Capital Industry Market Forecast
The VC industry is poised for continued growth, driven by technological advancements, increasing entrepreneurial activity, and supportive government policies. The market is expected to experience a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), with significant investment opportunities across various sectors, including AI, Fintech, and sustainable technologies. The increasing adoption of data-driven decision-making and the expansion into new markets will further contribute to the industry's growth trajectory. The focus on impact investing and ESG considerations will shape investment strategies in the coming years.
Venture Capital Industry Segmentation
-
1. Type
- 1.1. Local Investors
- 1.2. International Investors
-
2. Industry
- 2.1. Real Estate
- 2.2. Financial Services
- 2.3. Food & Beverages
- 2.4. Healthcare
- 2.5. Transport & Logistics
- 2.6. IT & ITeS
- 2.7. Education
- 2.8. Other Industries
Venture Capital Industry Segmentation By Geography
- 1. North America
- 2. Latin America
- 3. Europe
- 4. Asia Pacific
- 5. Middle East and Africa
Venture Capital Industry Regional Market Share
Geographic Coverage of Venture Capital Industry
Venture Capital Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 2020-2034 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Estimated Year | 2026 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2034 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of > 5.00% from 2020-2034 |
| Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Distribution of Start-Ups Witnessing Venture Capital Industry Globally
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global Venture Capital Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 5.1.1. Local Investors
- 5.1.2. International Investors
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Industry
- 5.2.1. Real Estate
- 5.2.2. Financial Services
- 5.2.3. Food & Beverages
- 5.2.4. Healthcare
- 5.2.5. Transport & Logistics
- 5.2.6. IT & ITeS
- 5.2.7. Education
- 5.2.8. Other Industries
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.3.1. North America
- 5.3.2. Latin America
- 5.3.3. Europe
- 5.3.4. Asia Pacific
- 5.3.5. Middle East and Africa
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6. North America Venture Capital Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6.1.1. Local Investors
- 6.1.2. International Investors
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Industry
- 6.2.1. Real Estate
- 6.2.2. Financial Services
- 6.2.3. Food & Beverages
- 6.2.4. Healthcare
- 6.2.5. Transport & Logistics
- 6.2.6. IT & ITeS
- 6.2.7. Education
- 6.2.8. Other Industries
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7. Latin America Venture Capital Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7.1.1. Local Investors
- 7.1.2. International Investors
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Industry
- 7.2.1. Real Estate
- 7.2.2. Financial Services
- 7.2.3. Food & Beverages
- 7.2.4. Healthcare
- 7.2.5. Transport & Logistics
- 7.2.6. IT & ITeS
- 7.2.7. Education
- 7.2.8. Other Industries
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8. Europe Venture Capital Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8.1.1. Local Investors
- 8.1.2. International Investors
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Industry
- 8.2.1. Real Estate
- 8.2.2. Financial Services
- 8.2.3. Food & Beverages
- 8.2.4. Healthcare
- 8.2.5. Transport & Logistics
- 8.2.6. IT & ITeS
- 8.2.7. Education
- 8.2.8. Other Industries
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 9. Asia Pacific Venture Capital Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 9.1.1. Local Investors
- 9.1.2. International Investors
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Industry
- 9.2.1. Real Estate
- 9.2.2. Financial Services
- 9.2.3. Food & Beverages
- 9.2.4. Healthcare
- 9.2.5. Transport & Logistics
- 9.2.6. IT & ITeS
- 9.2.7. Education
- 9.2.8. Other Industries
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 10. Middle East and Africa Venture Capital Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 10.1.1. Local Investors
- 10.1.2. International Investors
- 10.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Industry
- 10.2.1. Real Estate
- 10.2.2. Financial Services
- 10.2.3. Food & Beverages
- 10.2.4. Healthcare
- 10.2.5. Transport & Logistics
- 10.2.6. IT & ITeS
- 10.2.7. Education
- 10.2.8. Other Industries
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 11. Competitive Analysis
- 11.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2025
- 11.2. Company Profiles
- 11.2.1 Tiger Global Management
- 11.2.1.1. Overview
- 11.2.1.2. Products
- 11.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.2 New Enterprises Associates
- 11.2.2.1. Overview
- 11.2.2.2. Products
- 11.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.3 Sequoia Capital
- 11.2.3.1. Overview
- 11.2.3.2. Products
- 11.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.4 DST Global
- 11.2.4.1. Overview
- 11.2.4.2. Products
- 11.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.5 IDG Capital
- 11.2.5.1. Overview
- 11.2.5.2. Products
- 11.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.6 Index Ventures
- 11.2.6.1. Overview
- 11.2.6.2. Products
- 11.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.7 Healthcare Royalty Partners
- 11.2.7.1. Overview
- 11.2.7.2. Products
- 11.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.8 GGV Capital
- 11.2.8.1. Overview
- 11.2.8.2. Products
- 11.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.9 Nanjing Zijin Investment
- 11.2.9.1. Overview
- 11.2.9.2. Products
- 11.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.10 Greylock Partners**List Not Exhaustive
- 11.2.10.1. Overview
- 11.2.10.2. Products
- 11.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.1 Tiger Global Management
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Region 2025 & 2033
- Figure 2: North America Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 3: North America Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 4: North America Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 5: North America Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 6: North America Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 7: North America Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 8: Latin America Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 9: Latin America Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 10: Latin America Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 11: Latin America Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 12: Latin America Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 13: Latin America Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 14: Europe Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 15: Europe Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 16: Europe Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 17: Europe Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 18: Europe Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 19: Europe Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 20: Asia Pacific Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 21: Asia Pacific Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 22: Asia Pacific Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 23: Asia Pacific Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 24: Asia Pacific Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 25: Asia Pacific Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 26: Middle East and Africa Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 27: Middle East and Africa Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2025 & 2033
- Figure 28: Middle East and Africa Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 29: Middle East and Africa Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Industry 2025 & 2033
- Figure 30: Middle East and Africa Venture Capital Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 31: Middle East and Africa Venture Capital Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 2: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Industry 2020 & 2033
- Table 3: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2020 & 2033
- Table 4: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 5: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Industry 2020 & 2033
- Table 6: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 7: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 8: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Industry 2020 & 2033
- Table 9: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 10: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 11: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Industry 2020 & 2033
- Table 12: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 13: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 14: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Industry 2020 & 2033
- Table 15: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 16: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 17: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Industry 2020 & 2033
- Table 18: Global Venture Capital Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Venture Capital Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately > 5.00%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Venture Capital Industry?
Key companies in the market include Tiger Global Management, New Enterprises Associates, Sequoia Capital, DST Global, IDG Capital, Index Ventures, Healthcare Royalty Partners, GGV Capital, Nanjing Zijin Investment, Greylock Partners**List Not Exhaustive.
3. What are the main segments of the Venture Capital Industry?
The market segments include Type, Industry.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
N/A
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Distribution of Start-Ups Witnessing Venture Capital Industry Globally.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
N/A
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
In 2022, IDG Capital Vietnam Confirms Investment in METAIN to Lead NFT-Empowered Real Estate Trend in Vietnam. IDG Capital also shows its ambition to lead the NFT Real estate trend and reveals its plan to proactively engage with global investors to attract investment into the Vietnam real estate market. With the high security, instantaneous settlement, transparent, seamless transaction process, blockchain, smart contract, and NFT (Non-fungible token) technology is transforming the real estate industry and will become the key trend in the next decades.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Venture Capital Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Venture Capital Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Venture Capital Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Venture Capital Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database
Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)
Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations
Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence