Venture capitalist

About this career

Venture capitalists invest in young or small start-up companies by providing private funding. They research potential markets and particular product opportunities to help business owners develop or expand a business. They provide business advice, technical expertise, and network contacts based on their experience and activities. They do not assume executive managerial positions within the company, but have a say in its strategic direction.

Essential skills

analyse business plans analyse financial performance of a company analyse financial risk apply technical communication skills assess financial viability build business relationships create a financial plan decide on providing funds make strategic business decisions perform business analysis

Required knowledge

business analysis business valuation techniques funding methods investment analysis management consulting

Additional skills

analyse loans analyse market financial trends apply credit risk policy budget for financial needs develop investment portfolio establish investment funds examine credit ratings liaise with financiers maintain client debt records make investment decisions manage contracts obtain financial information perform debt investigation review investment portfolios actuarial science credit control processes debt systems financial forecasting foreign languages for international careers holding company activities international business investment banking modern portfolio theory

Also known as

investor seed capital investor financier angel investor