ML VENTURE PARTNERS I L P /DE/
10-Q, 1996-05-14
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

[X]  Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
     Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1996

Or

[ ]  Transition  Report  Pursuant  to Section  13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from                     to
                             Commission file number 0-10179


                           ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.
================================================================================
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware                                                              13-3115686
================================================================================
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)


World Financial Center, North Tower
New York, New York                                                    10281-1326
================================================================================
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 449-1000


Not applicable
================================================================================
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No



<PAGE>


                                      INDEX
                           ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.


PART I.       FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.       Financial Statements.

Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1996 (Unaudited) and September 30, 1995

Schedule of Portfolio Investments as of March 31, 1996 (Unaudited)

Statements of  Operations  for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 1996 and
1995 (Unaudited)

Statements  of Cash  Flows for the Six  Months  Ended  March  31,  1996 and 1995
(Unaudited)

Statement  of Changes in  Partners'  Capital for the Six Months  Ended March 31,
1996 (Unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Item 2. Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
        of Operations.


PART II.      OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.       Legal Proceedings.

Item 2.       Changes in Securities.

Item 3.       Defaults upon Senior Securities.

Item 4.       Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

Item 5.       Other Information.

Item 6.       Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.



<PAGE>


                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.       Financial Statements.

ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.
BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
                                                                                     March 31, 1996         September 30,
                                                                                       (Unaudited)                 1995
ASSETS

Investments - Note 2
   Portfolio investments, at fair value
     (cost $1,105,668 at March 31, 1996 and
<S>  <C>                     <C> <C>                                                 <C>                      <C>            
     $1,825,917 at September 30, 1995)                                               $    3,621,746           $     3,493,542
   Short-term investments, at amortized cost                                              1,838,879                 1,099,650
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                   766,582                    81,887
Note receivable                                                                                   -                   213,084
Receivable from securities sold                                                             138,750                         -
Accrued interest receivable                                                                   1,287                     1,355
                                                                                     --------------           ---------------

TOTAL ASSETS                                                                         $    6,367,244           $     4,889,518
                                                                                     ==============           ===============

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

Liabilities:

Cash distribution payable - Note 6                                                   $            -           $       975,000
Accounts payable                                                                             33,546                     9,104
Due to Management Company - Note 4                                                           31,597                    19,441
Due to Independent General Partners - Note 5                                                 14,250                    17,250
                                                                                     --------------           ---------------
   Total liabilities                                                                         79,393                 1,020,795
                                                                                     --------------           ---------------

Partners' Capital:

Managing General Partner                                                                    790,517                   435,850
Individual General Partners                                                                     271                       190
Limited Partners (12,000 Units)                                                           2,980,985                 1,765,058
Unallocated net unrealized appreciation of investments - Note 2                           2,516,078                 1,667,625
                                                                                     --------------           ---------------
   Total partners' capital                                                                6,287,851                 3,868,723
                                                                                     --------------           ---------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL                                              $    6,367,244           $     4,889,518
                                                                                     ==============           ===============
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>


ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.
SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 1996

ACTIVE PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS:


<TABLE>
                                                                        Initial Investment
Company / Position                                                             Date                Cost              Fair Value
Inference Corporation(A)(B)(C)
<C>                                                                             <C>            <C>                <C>          
217,461 shares of common stock                                             Feb. 1984           $   1,014,372      $   3,419,574
   Brightware, Inc.(C)
     332,157 shares of common stock                                                                   91,049            199,294
     Warrants to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock
       at $.40 per share, expiring on 12/16/97                                                             0              1,200
     Warrants to purchase 8,391 shares of common stock
     ` at $.40 per share, expiring on 4/19/99                                                            247              1,678
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOTALS FROM ACTIVE PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS                                                       $   1,105,668      $   3,621,746
                                                                                               ================================
</TABLE>



SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: LIQUIDATED PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS(D)

<TABLE>
                                                                                                 Net
                                                                            Cost            Realized Gain                Return
TOTALS FROM LIQUIDATED PORTFOLIO
<S>                                                                    <C>                  <C>                 <C>            
INVESTMENTS                                                            $   53,569,261       $   21,948,253      $    75,517,514
                                                                       ========================================================

                                                                                            Combined Net               Combined
                                                                                           Unrealized and            Fair Value
                                                                            Cost            Realized Gain            and Return
TOTALS FROM ACTIVE AND LIQUIDATED
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS                                                  $   54,674,929       $   24,464,331      $    79,139,260
                                                                       ========================================================
</TABLE>

(A)    Public company

(B)    During the three  months  ended  March 31,  1996,  the  Partnership  sold
       100,000 shares of Inference  Corporation  common stock for $1.96 million,
       realizing a gain of $1.38 million.

(C)  The securities of Inference  Corporation and  Brightware,  Inc. held by the
     Partnership are considered non-income producing securities.

(D)    Amounts  provided for  "Supplemental  Information:  Liquidated  Portfolio
       Investments" are cumulative from inception through March 31, 1996.


See notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>


ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
                                                                       Three Months Ended               Six Months Ended
                                                                            March 31,                       March 31,

                                                                      1996            1995             1996           1995
                                                                 ------------     ------------   --------------    -------

INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>            <C>               <C>         
   Interest income                                               $     15,557     $     12,297   $       20,644    $     19,097
                                                                 ------------     ------------   --------------    ------------

   Expenses:

   Management fee - Note 4                                             31,597           15,869           60,064          30,676
   Professional fees                                                   22,264           29,349           45,651          59,665
   Mailing and printing                                                 9,437           15,398           21,030          22,323
   Independent General Partners' fees - Note 5                         14,250           14,626           31,500          31,876
   Custodial fees                                                         823              507            1,862             924
   Miscellaneous                                                        1,534              248            1,784             498
                                                                 ------------     ------------   --------------    ------------
   Total expenses                                                      79,905           75,997          161,891         145,962
                                                                 ------------     ------------   --------------    ------------

NET INVESTMENT LOSS                                                   (64,348)         (63,700)        (141,247)       (126,865)

Net realized gain from portfolio investments                        1,379,418          119,394        1,711,922         152,062
                                                                 ------------     ------------   --------------    ------------

NET REALIZED GAIN FROM OPERATIONS
   (allocable to Partners) - Note 3                                 1,315,070           55,694        1,570,675          25,197

Net change in unrealized appreciation or
   depreciation of investments                                       (692,224)         155,671          848,453         185,159
                                                                 ------------     ------------   --------------    ------------

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
   FROM OPERATIONS                                               $    622,846     $    211,365   $    2,419,128    $    210,356
                                                                 ============     ============   ==============    ============
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>


ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Six Months Ended March 31,


<TABLE>
                                                                                                1996                  1995
                                                                                            -------------         --------

CASH FLOWS USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S>                                                                                         <C>                   <C>           
Net investment loss                                                                         $    (141,247)        $    (126,865)

Adjustments  to  reconcile  net  investment  loss to  cash  used  for  operating
   activities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables                                                                     68                  (597)
Decrease in accrued interest on short-term investments                                              5,640                     -
Increase in payables, net                                                                          33,598                 9,014
                                                                                            -------------         -------------
Cash used for operating activities                                                               (101,941)             (118,448)
                                                                                            -------------         -------------

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Net proceeds from the sale of portfolio investments                                             2,293,421               393,388
Net purchase of short-term investments                                                           (744,869)                    -
Repayment of note                                                                                 213,084                     -
                                                                                            -------------         -------------
Cash provided from investing activities                                                         1,761,636               393,388
                                                                                            -------------         -------------

CASH FLOWS USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Cash distributions to Partners                                                                   (975,000)                    -
                                                                                            -------------         -------------

Increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                             684,695               274,940
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                                   81,887               564,048
                                                                                            -------------         -------------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                                                  $     766,582         $     838,988
                                                                                            =============         =============
</TABLE>


See notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>


ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL (UNAUDITED)
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 1996


<TABLE>
                                                                                              Unallocated
                                        Managing        Individual                          Net Unrealized
                                         General          General          Limited           Appreciation
                                         Partner         Partners         Partners          of Investments           Total

Balance at beginning of
<S>                                    <C>                <C>          <C>                   <C>                <C>            
period                                 $    435,850       $  190       $    1,765,058        $    1,667,625     $     3,868,723

Net investment loss                          (1,413)          (9)            (139,825)                    -            (141,247)

Net realized gain from
portfolio investments                       356,080           90            1,355,752                     -           1,711,922

Net change in unrealized
appreciation of investments                       -            -                    -               848,453             848,453
                                       ------------       ------       --------------        --------------     ---------------

Balance at end of period               $    790,517       $  271       $    2,980,985(A)     $    2,516,078     $     6,287,851
                                       ============       ======       ==============        ==============     ===============
</TABLE>


(A)  The net asset value per Unit of limited partnership interest,  including an
     assumed  allocation  of net  unrealized  appreciation,  is $414.  Each Unit
     represents an original  capital  contribution  of $5,000.  Cumulative  cash
     distributions paid through March 31, 1996 total $5,800 per Unit.

See notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>


ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.       Organization and Purpose

ML  Venture  Partners  I,  L.P.  (the   "Partnership")  is  a  Delaware  limited
partnership formed on February 12, 1982. The Partnership's  operations commenced
on October 15, 1982.  Merrill  Lynch  Venture  Capital Co.,  L.P.,  the managing
general partner of the Partnership (the "Managing  General  Partner"),  is a New
York limited  partnership  formed on February 12, 1982,  the general  partner of
which is Merrill  Lynch  Venture  Capital Inc. (the  "Management  Company"),  an
indirect subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. The Partnership is scheduled to
terminate no later than December 31, 1996.

The Partnership's  objective is to realize  long-term capital  appreciation from
its portfolio of venture capital investments. From 1982 to 1986, the Partnership
assembled a portfolio of 34 venture  capital  investments  in new and developing
companies and other special  investment  situations.  The  Partnership  does not
engage  in any  other  business  or  activity.  The  Partnership  will  not make
investments in new companies and will not reinvest the proceeds from the sale of
its remaining  investments,  except to make  follow-on  investments  in existing
companies, if necessary.

2.       Significant Accounting Policies

Valuation of Investments - Short-term  investments are carried at amortized cost
which  approximates  market.  Portfolio  investments  are  carried at cost until
significant  developments affecting an investment provide a basis for valuation.
Thereafter,  portfolio  investments  are  carried  at fair  value as  determined
quarterly  by  the  Managing  General  Partner  under  the  supervision  of  the
Individual General Partners.  The venture capital portfolio  investments held by
the  Partnership  involve a high degree of business and financial  risk that can
result in substantial  losses. The Managing General Partner considers such risks
in determining the valuation of the Partnership's portfolio investments.  Use of
Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that  affect the  reported  amounts of assets and  liabilities  and
disclosure of  contingent  assets and  liabilities  at the date of the financial
statements  and the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the
reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Investment
Transactions  -  Investment  transactions  are  recorded on the accrual  method.
Portfolio  investments  are  recorded on the trade  date,  the date on which the
Partnership  obtains an  enforceable  right to demand the  securities or payment
therefor.  Realized  gains and  losses on  investments  sold are  computed  on a
specific  identification basis. Income Taxes - No provision for income taxes has
been made  since all  income  and  losses  are  allocable  to the  Partners  for
inclusion in their  respective  tax returns.  The  Partnership's  net assets for
financial  reporting  purposes differ from its net assets for tax purposes.  Net
unrealized  appreciation  of $2.5 million at March 31, 1996,  which was recorded
for  financial  statement  purposes,   was  not  recognized  for  tax  purposes.
Statements of Cash Flows - The Partnership  considers its interest-bearing  cash
account to be cash equivalents.


<PAGE>


ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3.       Allocation of Partnership Profits and Losses

The  Partnership  Agreement  provides that the Managing  General Partner will be
allocated,  on a cumulative basis over the life of the  Partnership,  20% of net
realized capital gains or 10% of net realized capital losses.  The Partnership's
net  realized  gains or  losses in excess  of this  allocation  to the  Managing
General Partner, as well as all other income, losses, deductions and credits, if
any, will be allocated  among all the Partners,  including the Managing  General
Partner,  in the proportion of their capital  contributions  to the Partnership.
For the period from October 15, 1982  (commencement  of operations) to March 31,
1996,  the  Partnership  had  cumulative  net  realized  capital  gains of $21.9
million.

4.       Related Party Transactions

The  Management  Company  performs,  or  arranges  for  others to  perform,  the
management  and  administrative  services  necessary  for the  operation  of the
Partnership.  The Management Company receives compensation at the annual rate of
2% of the net assets of the  Partnership.  Such fee is  determined  and  payable
quarterly.

5.       Independent General Partners' Fees

As  compensation  for services  rendered to the  Partnership,  each of the three
Independent   General   Partners   receives   $15,000   annually  in   quarterly
installments,  $1,000 for each meeting of the General  Partners  attended or for
each other  meeting,  conference or engagement  in connection  with  Partnership
activities at which attendance by an Independent General Partner is required and
$1,000 for each committee  meeting attended ($500 if a committee meeting is held
on the same day as a meeting of the General Partners).

6.       Cash Distributions

Cash  distributions  paid  during the  periods  presented  and  cumulative  cash
distributions paid from inception to March 31, 1996 are listed below:

<TABLE>
                                                                             General           Limited          Per $5,000
Distribution Date                                                           Partners          Partners             Unit
- ------------------------------------------------------------            --------------    ----------------    ---------
<S>                    <C> <C>                                          <C>               <C>                   <C>      
Inception to September 30, 1995                                         $    3,959,806    $     69,000,000      $   5,750
October 12, 1995 (accrued at September 30, 1995)                               375,000             600,000             50
                                                                        --------------    ----------------      ---------
Cumulative totals at March 31, 1996                                     $    4,334,806    $     69,600,000      $   5,800
                                                                        ==============    ================      =========
</TABLE>

On May 1, 1996, the General Partners approved an additional cash distribution to
Partners  totaling  $2.9  million;  $2.1  million,  or $175 per Unit, to Limited
Partners of record on June 30, 1996, and $824,898 to the General  Partners.  The
distribution is scheduled to be paid in July 1996.

7.       Interim Financial Statements

In the opinion of Merrill Lynch Venture Capital Co., L.P., the managing  general
partner of the Partnership,  the unaudited financial  statements as of March 31,
1996, and for the three and six month periods then ended reflect all adjustments
necessary for the fair presentation of the results of the interim periods.


<PAGE>


Item 2. Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
        of Operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
On October  12,  1995,  the  Partnership  made a cash  distribution  to Partners
totaling $975,000;  $600,000,  or $50 per Unit, to Limited Partners of record on
September 30, 1995 and $375,000 to the Managing  General  Partner.  At March 31,
1996,  cumulative cash  distributions to Partners  totaled $73.9 million;  $69.6
million,  or $5,800 per Unit, to the Limited  Partners,  and $4.3 million to the
General Partners.

During the six months ended March 31, 1996, the  Partnership  received  proceeds
totaling $2.3 million from the sale of 125,000  shares of Inference  Corporation
common stock. At March 31, 1996, the Partnership held $1.8 million in short-term
investments  with  maturities  of less than one year and $767,000 in an interest
bearing cash  account.  The  Partnership  sold an  additional  20,000  shares of
Inference in April 1996 for $375,000.

As a result,  on May 1, 1996, the General Partners  approved a cash distribution
to Partners  totaling $2.9 million;  $2.1 million,  or $175 per Unit, to Limited
Partners of record on June 30, 1996, and $824,898 to the General  Partners.  The
distribution is scheduled to be paid in July 1996.

At March 31, 1996, the Partnership had remaining investments with a cost of $1.1
million and a fair value of $3.6 million.  It is expected that the Partnership's
remaining investments and all other assets will be liquidated in a timely manner
to allow for the Partnership's termination by December 31, 1996. Funds needed to
cover future operating expenses will be obtained from the Partnership's existing
cash reserves and from the sale of its remaining portfolio investments.

Results of Operations
For the three and six months ended March 31,  1996,  the  Partnership  had a net
realized gain from  operations  of $1.3 million and $1.6 million,  respectively.
For the three and six months ended March 31,  1995,  the  Partnership  had a net
realized gain from operations of $56,000 and $25,000, respectively. Net realized
gain or loss from  operations  is comprised  of 1) net realized  gains or losses
from portfolio investments and 2) net investment income or loss.

Realized  Gains and Losses from  Portfolio  Investments  - For the three and six
months  ended  March 31,  1996,  the  Partnership  had net  realized  gains from
portfolio  investments  totaling  $1.4 million and $1.7  million,  respectively,
resulting from the sale of 25,000 shares of Inference  Corporation  common stock
in December 1995 and 100,000  shares of Inference  during the three months ended
March 31, 1996.

For the three and six months ended March 31,  1995,  the  Partnership  had a net
realized  gain  from  its  portfolio   investments  of  $119,000  and  $152,000,
respectively.  During the quarter  ended March 31, 1995,  the  Partnership  sold
30,000  shares of Acuity  Imaging,  Inc.,  realizing  a gain of $51,000 and sold
470,000 shares of DTC Data Technology Corporation,  realizing a gain of $68,000.
For the quarter ended December 31, 1994, the Partnership realized gains totaling
$33,000 from the sale of 10,000 shares of Acuity and 150,000 shares of DTC.

Investment  Income and Expenses - Net investment  loss  (investment  income less
operating  expenses)  for the three  months  ended  March 31,  1996 and 1995 was
$64,000 for both periods.  The  management  fee for the three months ended March
31, 1996 was  $32,000,  compared  to $16,000  for the same  period in 1995.  The
increase in the  management  fee, as  discussed  below,  was mostly  offset by a
$12,000  decline in other  operating  expenses and a $3,000 increase in interest
income from  short-term  investments  for the 1996  period  compared to the same
period in 1995. Net investment  loss for the six months ended March 31, 1996 and
1995 was $141,000 and  $127,000,  respectively.  The increase in net  investment
loss for the six months  ended  March 31,  1996  compared  to the same period in
1995,  primarily  resulted  from a $29,000  increase in the  management  fee, as
discussed below, partially offset by a $14,000 decrease in professional fees for
the 1996 period.

The Management Company receives a management fee at the annual rate of 2% of the
net assets of the  Partnership.  Such fee is determined and payable on the basis
of the Partnership's net assets at the end of each calendar quarter.  Changes in
the management fee are due to fluctuations in the Partnership's net assets.  The
increased  management  fee for the three and six  months  ended  March 31,  1996
compared to the same periods in 1995 primarily reflects the increased fair value
of the  Partnership's  investment  in  Inference  Corporation  during  the  1996
periods.  The  management  fee  and  other  expenses  incurred  directly  by the
Partnership  are paid with funds provided from  operations.  Funds provided from
operations are obtained from interest  earned from  short-term  investments  and
proceeds received from the sale of portfolio investments.

Unrealized   Gains  and  Losses  and  Changes  in  Unrealized   Appreciation  or
Depreciation of Investments - For the three and six months ended March 31, 1996,
the   Partnership   had  an  unrealized  gain  of  $222,000  and  $1.9  million,
respectively,   primarily   resulting   from  the  upward   revaluation  of  the
Partnership's  investment  in Inference  Corporation,  reflecting  the increased
public  market  value  of  the  company's   common  stock  for  these   periods.
Additionally,  for  the  six  months  ended  March  31,  1996,  $1  million  was
transferred from unrealized gain to realized gain relating to the 125,000 shares
of Inference sold during the period. As a result, net unrealized appreciation of
investments increased $848,000 for the six months ended March 31, 1996.

For the three and six  months  ended  March 31,  1995,  the  Partnership  had an
unrealized  gain of $113,000  and  $127,000,  respectively,  resulting  from the
upward revaluation of its investment in Acuity Imaging, Inc.  Additionally,  for
the six months ended March 31, 1995,  $58,000 of prior period loss reserves were
reversed due to the sale of Acuity  shares during the period.  As a result,  net
unrealized  appreciation  of investments  increased  $185,000 for the six months
ended March 31, 1995.

Net Assets - At March 31, 1996, the  Partnership's net assets were $6.3 million,
an increase of $2.4 million from $3.9  million at September  30, 1995.  The $2.4
million  increase  was  comprised  of the $1.6  million net  realized  gain from
operations and the $848,000 increase in net unrealized  appreciation for the six
month period.

At March 31, 1995, the Partnership's  net assets were $3.2 million,  an increase
of $210,000 from $2.9 million at September 30, 1994.  The $210,000  increase was
comprised  of the $25,000 net  realized  gain from  operations  and the $185,000
increase in net unrealized appreciation for the six month period.

Gains and  losses  from  investments  are  allocated  to the  Partners'  capital
accounts when realized in accordance with the Partnership  Agreement (see Note 3
of Notes to Financial Statements).  However, for purposes of calculating the net
asset  value per Unit,  net  unrealized  appreciation  of  investments  has been
included as if it had been  realized and  allocated  to the Limited  Partners in
accordance with the Partnership Agreement. Pursuant to such calculation, the net
asset value per $5,000 Unit at March 31,  1996 and  September  30, 1995 was $414
and $257, respectively.


<PAGE>


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.       Legal Proceedings.

The Partnership is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.

Item 2.       Changes in Securities.

Not applicable.

Item 3.       Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

Item 4.       Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

No matter was submitted to a vote of security  holders during the fiscal quarter
covered by this report.

Item 5.       Other Information.

None.

Item 6.       Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

              (a)              Exhibits

                    (3)        Amended and Restated Certificate and Agreement of
                               Limited Partnership of the Partnership,  dated as
                               of February 12, 1982, and amended through October
                               6, 1982.*

                    (10) Management  Agreement dated as of July 12, 1982 between
                         the Partnership and the Management Company.*

                    (27)       Financial Data Schedule.

                    (28)       (a) Prospectus of the Partnership  dated June 18,
                               1982  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange
                               Commission  pursuant  to Rule  424(b)  under  the
                               Securities  Act  of  1933,  as   supplemented  by
                               supplements  thereto  dated  July  13,  1982  and
                               September 28, 1982 filed pursuant to Rule 424 (c)
                               under the Securities Act of 1933.*

                    (28) (b) Custody  Agreement  dated May 31, 1983  between the
                             Partnership and Chemical Bank.**

                    (b)  No  reports  on Form 8-K have  been  filed  during  the
                         period covered by this report.


- ------------------------------

*      Incorporated by reference to the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K
       for the three months ended  September 30, 1982 filed with the  Securities
       and Exchange Commission on December 29, 1982.

**     Incorporated by reference to the  Partnership's  Quarterly Report on Form
       10-Q for the quarter  ended June 30, 1983 filed with the  Securities  and
       Exchange Commission on August 15, 1983.



<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


         ML VENTURE PARTNERS I, L.P.


         /s/        Kevin K. Albert
By:      Kevin K. Albert
         General Partner


By:      Merrill Lynch Venture Capital Co., L.P.
         its Managing General Partner


By:      Merrill Lynch Venture Capital Inc.
         its General Partner


By:      /s/        Kevin K. Albert
         Kevin K. Albert
         President
         (Principal Executive Officer)


By:      /s/        Diane T. Herte
         Diane T. Herte
         Vice President and Treasurer
         (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


Date:    May 14, 1996



<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                                                                      6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL  INFORMATION  EXTRACTED FROM ML VENTURE
PARTNERS I, L.P.'S  QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,
1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                              6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                    SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                                                        OCT-1-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                         MAR-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                                  2,939,876
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                                 5,460,625
<RECEIVABLES>                                                            140,037
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                                 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                     766,582
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                         6,367,244
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                       0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                        0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                                 79,393
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                            0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                                0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                       0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                     12,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     12,000
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                      0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                         0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                        0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                       0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                               2,516,078
<NET-ASSETS>                                                           6,287,851
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                              0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         20,644
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                                 0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                           161,891
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                (141,247)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                               1,711,922
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                848,453
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                  2,419,128
<EQUALIZATION>                                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                      0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                          0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                        0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                                    0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                            0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                 1,477,726
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                        0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                      0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                        0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                     0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                          0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                             0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                                0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                   5,078,287
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                        257
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                             (12)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                      169
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                      0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                          414
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                                0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                         0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                           0
        


</TABLE>


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