Alan J. Patricof is the founder and chairman of Patricof  & Co. Ventures Inc.(PVC), one of the most enduring and successful private equity investment organizations. His influence on the private equity market stretches from the U.S. to Europe, and embraces both the professional and political spheres. Mr. Patricof was among the first private equity professionals to recognize the potential of Europe as an investment arena. In 1977, he teamed up with Ronald M. Cohen and Maurice Tchenio, now the chairmen of Apax Partners & Co. Ltd., London, and Apax Partners & Cie., Paris, to establish a European operation. PCV and its affiliates today manage more than $2 billion worldwide.