Fund Structure
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A portfolio company is any company in which a VC fund has made an investment.
A portfolio company is any company in which a VC fund has made an investment. The fund's portfolio is the collection of all such investments. Portfolio companies are actively managed by the fund: GPs serve on boards, make introductions, help recruit, and provide strategic guidance. Portfolio management — knowing when to double down, when to support through bridge rounds, and when to accept a write-down — is as important as deal selection in determining fund returns. Portfolio companies range from new investments (where the fund still has a full expected holding period) to mature investments approaching exit (where the fund is focused on maximizing exit value). Most funds hold 20-50 portfolio companies across their investment period.
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How does a venture capital fund work?
A VC fund pools capital from institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, then deploys it into early-stage startups over several years in exchange for equity, aiming to return the capital with large gains when those companies exit via acquisition or IPO.
How does a venture capital fund work?
A VC fund pools capital from institutional investors and wealthy individuals, then deploys it into early-stage startups over several years in exchange for equity, aiming to return the capital with large gains when those companies exit.
What are the different roles at a VC firm?
VC firms have a hierarchy: Analyst → Associate → Principal/VP → Partner → General Partner. Decision-making and carry concentrate at the GP level.
What is TVPI and MOIC in venture capital?
TVPI (Total Value to Paid-In Capital) is the total value of a fund including unrealized gains. MOIC (Multiple on Invested Capital) is the gross investment multiple on a deal or fund.
This concept is especially relevant for these venture capital roles:
A portfolio company is any company in which a VC fund has made an investment. The fund's portfolio is the collection of all such investments. Portfolio companies are actively managed by the fund: GPs serve on boards, make introductions, help recruit, and provide strategic guidance.
Understanding Portfolio Company is critical for founders navigating the fundraising process. It directly impacts deal terms, valuation, and the relationship between founders and investors.
Portfolio Company falls under the fund-structure category in venture capital. This area covers concepts related to how venture capital funds are organized, managed, and governed.
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