On 24 February, Vilnius University (VU) and the Lithuanian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (LT VCA) signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the partnership between higher education and business and to implement joint projects.

The agreement, signed by VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas and LT VCA Managing Director Rūta Mačiulytė-Valickienė, seeks to promote participation in various science and business initiatives, implement measures that better align studies with labour market needs, and enhance the preparation of highly qualified specialists.

“We welcome the University’s cooperation with the business sector, which significantly enriches students’ skill sets. Financial literacy is one of the most important competencies today, helping young people make responsible and well-considered decisions about their financial future. Therefore, we value the opportunity that, through cooperation with VCA, the University will be able to invest even more consistently in strengthening these competencies,” says VU Rector Prof. R. Petrauskas.

The partnership between LT VCA and VU has been ongoing for several years. This year marks the fourth time the course Breaking into the Finance World: Private Equity and Venture Capital is being organised. During these sessions, intended for VU students, alumni, and anyone interested in the finance field, participants have the opportunity to become acquainted with the investment world and the operating principles of funds and companies.

“Financial literacy and an understanding of capital markets today are not a luxury but a necessity for every young person seeking to understand how value is created and how a modern economy grows. We believe this course will not only provide a solid foundation for professional development but will also encourage young people to begin or continue their careers in Lithuania – by joining the growing private equity and venture capital ecosystem and creating long-term value for the country’s economy,” states LT VCA Managing Director R. Mačiulytė-Valickienė.

During the course, lectures are delivered by top-level professionals who manage assets worth more than €3 billion in the Baltic region and represent some of the region’s largest funds. The course is free for VU students, and VU alumni receive a 25% discount. The number of places is limited. The course will be held in English from 17 March to 4 May at the VU Scientific Communication and Information Center, Conference Hall (Saulėtekio Ave. 5, Vilnius). More information is available here.