Venture

Venture refers to a risky or daring undertaking, or to a business enterprise that involves significant uncertainty and potential reward. In general use, it describes an effort that requires courage and resource commitment to achieve a goal, with outcomes that are not guaranteed.

As a noun, venture denotes the undertaking itself, especially one that is new, speculative, or development-oriented. As a verb, to venture means to undertake the undertaking or to proceed somewhere despite risk or hesitation. Etymology traces to Old French aventure, from Latin ventura, meaning "things to come."

In business, the term is closely associated with venture capital, a form of financing for early-stage companies with high growth potential. Venture capitalists provide capital and often strategic guidance in exchange for equity, aiming for liquidity events such as acquisitions or initial public offerings. Venture activity also encompasses broader startup ecosystems, entrepreneurship, and innovation initiatives, where new products or services are developed under uncertain market conditions.

Other common usages include venturing into new markets or venturing beyond familiar boundaries, emphasizing motion into uncharted or risky territory.