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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• venture capitalism noun
• venture capitalist noun

Etymology

Origin of venture capital

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

This is especially true for the growth-stage firms across Europe, which are too mature for early-stage venture capital but too small and too risky for conventional bank lending.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Various other changes also come into force at this time of year, including alterations to inheritance tax on farms, tax on dividends, tax relief on venture capital trusts, and homeworking tax relief.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Global venture capital investment hit a record in the first quarter of this year, according to Crunchbase data, pulling in a new generation of founders eager to raise capital before interest wanes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

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

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