Learn More About Venture Capital

What exactly is venture capital—and why does it matter? In this quick video, we explain the vital role VC plays in fueling innovation. Venture capital provides early-stage funding to bold, high-ambition startups that aim to change the world. Learn how this unique part of the economy helps visionary entrepreneurs turn big ideas into reality.

In venture capital, patience is key. In this video, we break down how long it typically takes to see returns from venture investments. From early down rounds to big exits that can take years, we share insights on why this is a long-term asset class and what to expect when investing in a VC fund. Join us as we explore the journey from investment to potential payoff and why successful exits often come later in the process.

Venture capital thrives on a few big wins. In this short explainer, learn why successful VC strategies focus on large, diversified portfolios—typically 50 to 200 companies—to manage risk and increase the odds of capturing breakthrough returns.

Are you an investor in venture capital and wondering what tax documents to expect? In this quick video, we break down what a Schedule K-1 is, how it’s different from W-2s or 1099s, and what it means for your annual tax filing. Learn why K-1s are the standard for reporting your share of taxable activity in a venture fund—and how Alumni Ventures ensures timely delivery of thousands of K-1s each year so you can meet IRS deadlines.

At Alumni Ventures, our network is our strength. In this video, we share how we leverage our incredible community of investors to support the growth of our portfolio companies. From strategic introductions to sharing industry expertise, our network helps founders thrive. Hear why being part of the Alumni Ventures community means more than just capital — it’s about connections, ideas, and real support.

Ever wonder how a venture capital fund is structured? In this quick explainer, we walk you through the simple yet powerful structure behind VC funds — how money is pooled, invested, and returned. Learn what it means to write one check in and receive multiple checks out, and why most returns are classified as capital gains, not income.

What makes early-stage venture investing so powerful — and risky? In this short video, Michael Collins breaks down why investing in startups at their earliest stages, often before they have a product or customers, can lead to transformative impact and returns. Learn how high risk can bring high reward — for both investors and society.

Do you know the difference between private equity and venture capital? In this episode of VC 101, Chief Community Officer Luke Antal discusses the key differences between these alternative asset classes.

Understanding the nuances of the different stages of investing can help accredited investors determine proper allocation and even estimate growth potential. In this episode of VC 101, AV Co-Founder and CCO Luke Antal discusses the specific characteristics of seed, early, and growth-stage companies and the benefits of having a diversified portfolio containing all three.

In the evolving investment landscape, venture capital stands out as a unique asset class, offering wealth managers and financial advisers an opportunity to further diversify their clients’ portfolios beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and the growing options for core alternative assets. In this on-demand webinar, we explain why a VC firm’s expertise, like that of Alumni Ventures, is crucial in guiding RIAs through investing in this high-potential asset class, leveraging their experience to identify promising startups.

Missed the Defying Darwin event? Don’t worry! Mike Collins and Drew Wandzilak break down the most compelling insights from this groundbreaking gathering focused on biotech, human potential, and national resilience. The event, themed around “Defying Darwin,” explored how biotechnology is evolving beyond traditional applications like medicine. Today, biology is being reprogrammed for national security, from the weaponization of biology to enhancing human performance. The conversation highlighted emerging innovations and the urgent need for the United States to strengthen its biotech infrastructure to stay competitive globally, particularly against nations like China.

In this video, Michael Collins of Alumni Ventures talks with Bozhena Kulchyckyj about key insights from their Bytes and Brews event held alongside RSA Conference 2024. They discuss the growing role of AI in cybersecurity, both for attackers and defenders, and the emerging need to manage identity for non-human actors like bots and agents. Bozhena highlights companies such as Octo and Promptfoo that are working on API security and prompt evaluation. The conversation offers a grounded look at current trends, startup activity, and practical considerations for those working in or investing in cybersecurity.

One of the most critical aspects of venture capital is a firm’s approach to sourcing and vetting deals. In this video, AV’s Deputy CIO, Andy Ervin, walks viewers through our rigorous, disciplined process for evaluating investments.

Discover how venture capital fuels innovation and economic growth by backing groundbreaking companies from their earliest stages.

Explore the distinct roles of venture capital and private equity in shaping businesses, from tech startups to mature companies.

Discover how VC can offer a path to long-term wealth creation, providing access to private companies from early stages to pre-IPO.

Explore the key stages of venture capital investing. Discover how each stage presents distinct opportunities for building a diversified portfolio.

Discover how thoughtful diversification in venture capital can enhance returns and minimize risk, creating opportunities to invest in companies from the ground up.

Discover the key roles of lead investors and co-investors in venture capital and how they work together to fund and support high-growth startups.