2015 Economic Impact - By the Numbers

OCIB's economic impact has surpassed $1.9 billion.
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Industry News

Understanding VC

An Overview from the National Venture Capital Association

Venture capital is money provided by professionals who invest alongside management in young, rapidly growing companies that have the potential to develop into significant economic contributors. Venture capital is an important source of equity for both start-up and late-stage companies.

Professionally managed venture capital firms generally are private partnerships or closely held corporations funded by private and public pension funds, endowment funds, foundations, corporations, wealthy individuals, foreign investors, and the venture capitalists themselves.

Venture capitalists generally:

• Finance new and rapidly growing companies;
• Purchase equity securities;
• Assist in the development of new products or services;
• Add value to the company through active participation;
• Take higher risks with the expectation of higher rewards; and
• Have a long-term orientation.

When considering an investment, venture capitalists carefully screen the technical and business merits of the proposed company. Venture capitalists only invest in a small percentage of the businesses they review and have a long-term perspective. Going forward, they actively work with the company's management by contributing their experience and business savvy gained from helping other companies with similar growth challenges.