Abstract
International audience This paper investigates the use of discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis for the valuation of exploratory projects. In order to account for the widespread use of a contested formula, while avoiding both over- and under-calculative explanations, it proposes to examine DCF as a valuation device, i.e. a material and discursive assemblage. The paper hence attempts to describe the worlds of DCF - the one sketched by its hypotheses and the one constructed through its use - by focusing on the valuation of joint research/licensing projects between pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology start-ups. Describing how the formula calculates sheds light on how it matters in practice. The paper shows that DCF acts as a coordination tool and plays a performative role, namely through nurturing market repertoires and through the effects that it induces in exploration activities.