what is venture capital
DEFINITION of 'Venture Capital'. Money provided by investors to startup firms and small businesses with perceived long-term growth potential. This is a very important source of funding for startups that do not have access to capital markets.It typically entails high risk for the investor, but it has the potential for above-average returns.Next Up.oney provided by investors to startup firms and small businesses with perceived long-term growth potential. This is a very important source of funding for startups that do not have access to capital markets. It typically entails high risk for the investor, but it has the potential for above-average returns. Next Up.