venture capital

American  

[ven-cher kap-i-tl] / ˈvɛn tʃər ˌkæp ɪ tl /

noun

1. funds invested or available for investment in a new or unproven business enterprise (often used attributively): a venture capital firm. VC

   Startups may seek private equity or venture capital as alternative funding sources;

   a venture capital firm.

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venture capital British  

noun

1. capital that is provided for a new commercial enterprise by individuals or organizations other than those who own the new enterprise

2. another name for risk capital

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Other Word Forms

• venture capitalism noun
• venture capitalist noun

Etymology

Origin of venture capital

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

In another positive sign, venture capital investments in the region more than doubled to $5.8 billion in the second quarter, compared with a year earlier.

From Los Angeles Times

Two things can change that risk assessment: having employees or being funded by venture capital.

From New York Times

Amazon followed with a $2 billion program in June of that year and a range of oil and gas, utility and mining companies have also set up venture capital arms targeting climate projects.

From Seattle Times

Kelly Sims, a partner with the venture capital firm Thrive Capital who worked with Mr. Altman as a board adviser to OpenAI, said it was like he was constantly arguing with himself.

From New York Times

Mr. Garlick’s firm, Abraham Trust, invests in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions and private equity buyouts.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• working capital