venture capital

noun

: capital (such as retained corporate earnings or individual savings) invested or available for investment in the ownership element of new or fresh enterprise

called also risk capital

venture capitalism noun
venture capitalist noun

Examples of venture capital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Michael’s vision is to position the new firm as a David taking on the Goliath of seemingly infinite venture capital. — Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 For China’s latest generation of AI entrepreneurs, venture capital and bank loans—the two main sources of start-up funding – may not be enough in the coming years. — Alvin Yap, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 By going public in June, SpaceX locked itself out of the raise-and-pray venture capital world. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 In June, venture capital and private equity firm HSG completed its investment in Golden Goose, becoming its majority shareholder. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for venture capital

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of venture capital was in 1943

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Venture capital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venture%20capital. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Legal Definition

venture capital

see also:

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