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

ARK’s Cathie Wood, one of the most bullish names in tech, said Tuesday that the move will help with the “democratization” of venture capital.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Startup Doctronic, which has just raised $40 million in new venture capital, in December became the first company to use AI to write prescription refills through a pilot launched in Utah.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

David Rothzeid, principal at Shield Capital, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm that invested in Apex Space, said the bill would promote innovation across the government.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

But most critically, venture capital has eaten away at the remaining vestiges of old-school journalism.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Even then, not many Goan businessmen I was in touch with were willing to risk any substantial venture capital.

From Behind the News: Voices from Goa's Press by Various

Related Words

• working capital