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

Humble Robotics emerged from stealth in April with seed funding led by Eclipse Capital, a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm, and Energy Impact Partners.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026

At the same time, private capital from venture capital and private equity firms has expanded.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

General Catalyst and HarbourVest led the Series C round, reflecting increasing venture capital interest in AI-enabled roll-up strategies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Ruth Foxe-Blader at US venture capital firm Citrine Venture Partners thinks the number and range of SpaceX's projects mean it has many selling points.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 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