2010 was a transformative year for the hedge fund industry and served as a strong reminder that managing money is not the same as running a business.  The significant number of small, mid-size and large fund closures already in 2011 provides continuing evidence of the material, multifaceted challenges facing operators of hedge fund businesses. Managers who understand the distinction between managing money and running a business and who execute both effectively are best positioned to maintain a sustainable and prosperous business – to achieve not only investment alpha, but also enterprise alpha.

This paper examines the hedge fund business model and is based on our observations and numerous conversations with hedge fund managers, investors and industry experts. Our goal is to share the best practices we have witnessed among “green zone” hedge funds that are well positioned for sustainability across a variety of economic and market conditions.