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Venture and startups
Venture investing means funding young private companies before they trade publicly. Outcomes are uncertain, timelines are long, and access is often restricted.
Jump to quizWhat it is
Startup investments are private securities. Investors may use equity, SAFEs, convertible notes, or fund vehicles.
How it can make money
Returns usually require a future exit: acquisition, secondary sale, or IPO. Until then, quoted values can be estimates.
What can go wrong
Most startups fail or dilute early investors. You may be unable to sell for years, and legal terms can heavily affect outcomes.
Common beginner trap
A great product is not enough. Cap table, terms, runway, market size, and founder execution matter.
Where it fits
Venture may fit experienced investors with high risk tolerance, long lockups, and a diversified approach.
Main risks
- Illiquidity risk: you may not be able to sell when you need cash.
- Dilution risk: later funding rounds can reduce your ownership percentage.
- Failure risk: many startups never become profitable or exit.
Beginner mistakes
- Treating one startup as a guaranteed lottery ticket.
- Ignoring valuation, liquidation preferences, and investor rights.
- Making one private investment instead of understanding portfolio math.
When it may fit
- You can tolerate total loss on individual deals.
- You do not need the money for many years.
- You have enough domain knowledge to evaluate the company and terms.
Key terms
- Runway
- How long a company can operate before it needs more funding.
- Dilution
- A reduction in ownership percentage when new shares are issued.
- Valuation cap
- A maximum valuation used to convert some startup financing instruments into equity.
- Liquidity
- How easily an investment can be sold for cash.
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What is a core feature of venture investing?
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