Essays on corporate finance theory and behavioral asset pricing.

Summary This thesis consists of three papers. The first two papers study how firms should be structured to facilitate their access to funds when there are agency conflicts between borrowers (firms) and lenders (investors). Chapter 1 studies the relationship between firm scope and financial constraints. Chapter 2 uses an optimal contracting approach to analyze the development of an innovative product through strategic alliances of both firms. Chapter 3 analyzes whether traders' experience can reduce their propensity to speculate.